Harvard University
Position Title: Assistant Director, Special Projects, Direct Response Marketing
Req ID: 67407BR
School or Unit: Alumni Affairs and Development
Description: 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).
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.
Position Description
- 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 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
- Work with other DRM Assistant Director, Special Projects to ensure framework and reporting consistency across special project collaborations and as needed, provide project support
- 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 communication 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.
To learn more about the AA&D team, please visit our Careers site at https://alumni.harvard.edu/careers
To learn more about how Harvard supports diversity and inclusion throughout the University please visit the Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at https://dib.harvard.edu/.
Accommodations: Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please let your recruiter know.
COVID 19 Vaccination Information: The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
BenefitsWe invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)#LI-JP1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 405001 Devel Professional (N)
Job Function: Alumni Affairs and Development
Work Format: Remote
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 056
Department: Alumni Affairs and Development
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
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.
EOE 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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