Executive Director, Harvard Gift Planning

Harvard seeks an innovative and experienced fundraising leader and strategic thinker to lead the gift planning program in University Development. Harvard's gift planning program has a long history of leadership and expertise and the trusts under management comprise the largest program in the industry.

Harvard Gift Planning (HGP) serves as the primary planned giving strategists and front-line fundraisers for eight Schools and several non-school units, while also serving all of Harvard as a resource for policies, procedures, lead generation, industry trends, knowledge capture, marketing coordination, staff training, and convening of peers for discussion of best practices.

Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, University Development, the Executive Director, Harvard Gift Planning, will develop, implement, and oversee a proactive planned giving fundraising strategy that continues to create industry best practices and adds value to the fundraising of all of Harvard's Schools and Units, while providing excellent donor relationship management. The Executive Director will serve as a programmatic leader, team manager, and front-facing fundraiser, serving as a point person for gifts at the principal gifts level.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive plan to grow the University-wide planned giving program, including measurable goals to ensure the identification, engagement, and solicitation of donors and prospects across the university.
• Oversee an integrated, coordinated, and effective communications, engagement, marketing, and recognition program.
• Convene planned giving professionals university-wide to facilitate discussions of innovations and best practices; assess how innovations in the industry could inform Harvard's strategy.
• Ensure a thorough infrastructure to oversee the health of Harvard's planned gifts and their impact to the University.
• Oversee the integration of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences gift planning program into HGP.
• Manage a team of 10+ staff members. Recruit, hire, onboard, train, provide timely feedback, and support professional development of the team.
• Liaise with external trust administration vendor on programmatic aspects in partnership with key leaders.
• Manage a small portfolio of prospects to cultivate, solicit and steward. Formulate individualized solicitation strategies for planned giving prospects.
• Maintain technical expertise and current knowledge of industry trends and tax laws relevant to planned giving including remainder trusts, lead trusts, donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities, bequests, life insurance, IRA QCDs and gifts of complex assets.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 15 or more years of experience in planned giving or related field
• 10 or more years of management experience in a leadership position
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel as necessary

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement sophisticated fundraising strategies for the successful cultivation and solicitation of major and principal gifts using planned giving techniques
• Expert knowledge of planned giving instruments in a non-profit setting or financial planning/trust administration
• Verified success in building and managing a high-performing team
• Proven success in leading through change and developing relationships across a complex organization
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills

Work Format: Hybrid - This position allows some remote work. Employees must work in a Harvard registered state when not at a Harvard location.

Benefits: Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision health insurance, retirement plans with university contributions, wellbeing and mental health resources, professional development opportunities including tuition assistance, and commuter benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the role of the Executive Director, Harvard Gift Planning?

The Executive Director leads Harvard's gift planning program within University Development. This includes developing and implementing a proactive planned giving fundraising strategy, managing a team of 10+ staff, serving as a front-facing fundraiser for principal gifts, and overseeing the integration of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences gift planning program into Harvard Gift Planning.

How many years of experience are required for this position?

A minimum of 15 years of experience in planned giving or a related field is required, along with 10 or more years of management experience in a leadership position.

Is this position remote or hybrid?

This is a hybrid position. Some duties can be performed remotely, but employees must work in a Harvard-registered state when not at a Harvard location. The role also requires occasional participation in on-campus events such as reunions and department retreats in Cambridge, MA.

What is the salary for this position?

This position is classified at Harvard salary grade level 061. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges page at hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges to view the corresponding salary range.

What types of planned giving instruments should candidates have expertise in?

Candidates should have expert knowledge of remainder trusts, lead trusts, donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities, bequests, life insurance, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and gifts of complex assets.

What department does this position sit in?

This position is within Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D), specifically in University Development at Harvard University Central Administration (CADM).

How do I apply for the Executive Director, Harvard Gift Planning position?

You can apply directly through Harvard's careers site at: https://careers.harvard.edu/job/executive-director-harvard-gift-planning-in-cambridge-ma-united-states-jid-1077