Volunteer Prospect Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Communications, Events & Donor Relations, University Development and Advancement Solutions, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and AA&D Administration.
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director of FAS Prospect Management supports the development and execution of prospect management strategies that drive a strong, data-informed fundraising pipeline for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Managing Director of FAS Prospect Management, this role serves as a key partner to frontline fundraisers and development leadership-combining analytical, consultative, and project management responsibilities to optimize portfolios, advance moves management, and ensure FAS gift officers have clear, actionable prospect information to meet their fundraising goals.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Prospect & Portfolio Management (25%)

• Support the implementation of FAS prospect management policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Manage day-to-day processes for assigning, reassigning, and tracking prospects across FAS portfolios (e.g., major, leadership annual, principal, and planned gifts).
• Monitor portfolio size, quality, and activity; identify imbalances and recommend adjustments to ensure appropriate coverage and progression.
• Prepare materials and data for regular portfolio review meetings with gift officers and their managers.

Moves Management & Fundraiser Support (40%)

• Help maintain and refine the moves management framework (stages, definitions, and metrics) for FAS gift officers.
• Participate in or facilitate pipeline meetings, providing data, insights, and recommendations on prospect strategy and next steps.
• Provide one-on-one and group support to gift officers on portfolio hygiene, record-keeping expectations, and effective use of prospect data and reports.
• Ensure that key updates and insights from prospect management are communicated clearly and in a timely manner to frontline staff.

Reporting, Analytics & Data Integrity (30%)

• Partner with Prospect Research, Operations (Ops), and Business Intelligence (BI) to operationalize prospect identification and prioritization for FAS.
• Work with Ops and BI colleagues to improve data capture, coding, and reporting structures that support FAS prospect management needs.
• Develop, run, and refine regular reports and dashboards on FAS portfolios, pipeline stages, proposal activity, and fundraiser performance indicators.
• In collaboration with Ops, promote and monitor data quality standards for prospect, portfolio, and activity records within Advance; follow up on data issues with appropriate staff.

Project Management & Process Improvement (5%)

• Manage or support special projects related to FAS prospect management
• Recommend and help implement process improvements to increase the efficiency, clarity, and consistency of prospect management practices within FAS.
• Document processes, guidelines, and training materials for FAS prospect management and related systems.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of three years of experience in prospect research, prospect management, data analysis, or other similar field, preferably in an academic setting.
• You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that are taking place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience with Advance or other fundraising CRM databases strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with prospect and portfolio management concepts, including moves management and fundraising pipelines.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and present findings to non-technical audiences.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at different levels and functions.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.

Additional Information
Please include a cover letter as a part of your application to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.