Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights

Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights

Harvard University - Harvard Business School

Department: External Relations

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid - minimum 3 days onsite)

Job Type: Full-time | Salary Grade 059

The Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights plays a critical role in advancing Harvard Business School's philanthropic priorities by leading prospect research, capacity analysis, and due diligence across External Relations. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development Services, this role provides strategic oversight of research, reputational risk assessment, and lead tracking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as lead authority for due diligence across External Relations, ensuring consistent and transparent processes
• Oversee research strategies to identify, qualify, and prioritize major and principal gift prospects
• Guide the team in translating wealth indicators and philanthropic patterns into strategic insights
• Direct the design and use of lead tracking systems to monitor pipeline activity
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of prospect researchers and analysts
• Position the research team as a strategic thought partner to frontline fundraisers

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in prospect research, advancement services, or development strategy with significant leadership experience
• Demonstrated expertise in capacity rating, wealth analysis, due diligence, and philanthropic risk assessment
• Proven success in developing lead tracking systems and data-driven fundraising strategies

A cover letter is required. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.