Harvard University
Assistant Director, Special Projects, Direct Response Marketing
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Job Summary
Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.AA&D is comprised of the University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Position Description
The Assistant Director serves as the project manager responsible for working with key partners primarily Athletics and the Harvard College Fund. They will guide and implement fundraising appeal projects with a data-driven, audience-first approach and pilot new strategies to advance DRM’s program.
Establish a framework that prioritizes special projects, coordinates with DRM strategy, aligns with goals, and fosters trust among partners
Assist in developing strategies, tactics, and plans in response to partner program needs
Develop project timelines balancing other audience outreach, partner goals and capacity, and DRM production schedules
Serve as project manager for all partner/pilot projects, guiding from kickoff through asset coordination, content gathering, reviews, feedback, and approvals, and ensuring projects are completed successfully on time and on budget
Coordinate with partners on appeal elements like list pulls and visual assets, requesting support as needed from DRM Development Assistant and Resource teams
Work with DRM project managers to consider capacity of email and print appeal production partners and ensure adherence to established procedures
Prepare content for production, such as vendor and delivery instructions, and communicate directly with print and email partners
Track results and timeline needs to assess performance, trends, and timing and make recommendations that optimize results
Develop and maintain appeal project templates that create efficiencies, follow brand guidelines, and align with DRM best practices. Proactively update to adjust to performance and innovation.
Build deep understanding of donor and prospect giving motivations through analysis and partner engagement.
Basic Qualifications
BA/BS required. Minimum 3+ relevant or transferable experience
Excellent interpersonal, visual, and written communications skills, comfortable speaking in group settings
Strong organization and time management skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work with, interpret, and report data
Strong attention to detail
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Ability to establish good working relationships with peers and manage expectations
Collaborative, professional, results-oriented team player with a willingness to learn/proactively acquire new skills as technologies and best practices evolve
Ability to work independently and prioritize in a complex organizational environment
Shows creativity and intellectual curiosity, as well as initiative and flexibility
Must have excellent computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required.
Experience with databases and platforms desired (such as Advance, ThankView, Adobe Suite, Salesforce Marketing Cloud and social media platforms). A willingness to learn these programs is required.
Knowledge of direct response marketing practices highly desired
Additional Information
This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.Please include a cover letter with your application.
Work Format Details
This position is eligible for 100% remote work. Employees may work from any of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Job Function
Alumni Affairs and Development, Communications
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Time Status
Full-time
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D)Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard’s advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.AA&D is comprised of the University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Position Description
The Assistant Director serves as the project manager responsible for working with key partners primarily Athletics and the Harvard College Fund. They will guide and implement fundraising appeal projects with a data-driven, audience-first approach and pilot new strategies to advance DRM’s program.
Establish a framework that prioritizes special projects, coordinates with DRM strategy, aligns with goals, and fosters trust among partners
Assist in developing strategies, tactics, and plans in response to partner program needs
Develop project timelines balancing other audience outreach, partner goals and capacity, and DRM production schedules
Serve as project manager for all partner/pilot projects, guiding from kickoff through asset coordination, content gathering, reviews, feedback, and approvals, and ensuring projects are completed successfully on time and on budget
Coordinate with partners on appeal elements like list pulls and visual assets, requesting support as needed from DRM Development Assistant and Resource teams
Work with DRM project managers to consider capacity of email and print appeal production partners and ensure adherence to established procedures
Prepare content for production, such as vendor and delivery instructions, and communicate directly with print and email partners
Track results and timeline needs to assess performance, trends, and timing and make recommendations that optimize results
Develop and maintain appeal project templates that create efficiencies, follow brand guidelines, and align with DRM best practices. Proactively update to adjust to performance and innovation.
Build deep understanding of donor and prospect giving motivations through analysis and partner engagement.
Basic Qualifications
BA/BS required. Minimum 3+ relevant or transferable experience
Excellent interpersonal, visual, and written communications skills, comfortable speaking in group settings
Strong organization and time management skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work with, interpret, and report data
Strong attention to detail
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Ability to establish good working relationships with peers and manage expectations
Collaborative, professional, results-oriented team player with a willingness to learn/proactively acquire new skills as technologies and best practices evolve
Ability to work independently and prioritize in a complex organizational environment
Shows creativity and intellectual curiosity, as well as initiative and flexibility
Must have excellent computer skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required.
Experience with databases and platforms desired (such as Advance, ThankView, Adobe Suite, Salesforce Marketing Cloud and social media platforms). A willingness to learn these programs is required.
Knowledge of direct response marketing practices highly desired
Additional Information
This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.Please include a cover letter with your application.
Work Format Details
This position is eligible for 100% remote work. Employees may work from any of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Job Function
Alumni Affairs and Development, Communications
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Time Status
Full-time
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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