Leadership Giving Officer

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Graduate School of Design (GSD) is a global leader in design education and research, training the next generation of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, urban designers, and design thinkers whose work will shape the future of cities, communities, and the planet. At a moment when the world faces urgent and interlocking challenges—from climate change and environmental justice to access to housing, public health, and infrastructure—the GSD is uniquely positioned to generate the creative, interdisciplinary, and actionable solutions these crises demand.  

The School’s faculty and students push the boundaries of knowledge and practice, advancing ideas that influence policy, industry, and communities worldwide. To sustain and accelerate this impact, the GSD must secure philanthropic investments in its core priorities: ensuring access for exceptional students, supporting world-class faculty, and fueling innovative programs and research.  

Development and Alumni Relations is central to advancing these goals. Our dynamic and collaborative team, including five frontline fundraising positions, is pivoting toward a more metrics- and goal-oriented development program designed to significantly increase philanthropic support for the School. The Leadership Giving Officer (LGO) will play a pivotal role in this evolution, helping to build a robust, sustainable pipeline of annual leadership donors who are deeply engaged with advancing the GSD’s mission and work.  

Reporting to the Senior Director of Annual and Leadership Giving, the LGO is a key frontline fundraiser for the GSD responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of approximately 300 annual leadership giving donors and prospects, with an actively managed segment of approximately 125–175 individuals. The LGO will develop and execute thoughtful, data-informed multi-channel personalized strategies to acquire, renew, and retain annual and multi-year current-use commitments of $10,000 or more, while building a sustainable pipeline of future leadership donors.  

The LGO will be responsible for conducting approximately 125 substantive donor and prospect visits annually. A key responsibility is securing approximately 20-30 commitments of new or renewed gifts of $10,000 or more, with a goal of increasing this each year. This position will also oversee DevAR’s annual giving pipeline for all assigned prospects and will collaborate with other gift officers on annual giving strategies. Additionally, the LGO will assist with meeting overall assigned revenue and retention goals for annual fundraising.   

The position oversees stewardship and engagement for the GSD’s Leadership, Loyalty, and Legacy Giving Circles and collaborates with colleagues on Term Fellowship fundraising and donor experiences. The LGO will attend and staff approximately 5-10 GSD receptions in conjunction with annual industry/professional conferences and will leverage these conferences for meaningful visits and meetings.  

This position requires a person comfortable in an energetic, action-oriented environment who brings a high level of organization, professionalism, and mastery of the objectives of annual, current-use fundraising. This is a frontline fundraising position that requires regular donor contact, domestic travel, occasional evening and weekend work, and strong collaboration with faculty, School leadership, and Development and Alumni Relations colleagues.  

This full-time, exempt position is hybrid, with a general expectation of one-to-two days per week in the Cambridge office.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management, Annual Giving Fundraising Strategy, and Closing Commitments  

• Manage a performance-based, data-informed leadership giving program, including managing a dynamic portfolio of approximately 300 leadership giving prospects, including an actively managed segment of approximately 125–175 donors and prospects, with an emphasis on closing annual $10,000 and up commitments, and/or securing multi-year lead annual giving/current-use pledges, against assigned goals. 

• Move prospects toward solicitation and completes assigned solicitations on the agreed upon timeline. The LGO’s goal is to secure approximately 20-30 commitments of new or renewed gifts of $10,000 or more, with a goal of increasing this each year. 

• This position will also oversee DevAR’s annual giving pipeline for all assigned prospects and will collaborate with other gift officers on annual giving strategies, building towards the team securing 50 or more annual gifts of $10,000 or more in the next 2-5 years. 

• Promote and manage Term Fellowship giving opportunities as an impactful giving opportunity to GSD prospects. 

• Proactively identify and qualify annual giving prospects, building and strengthening a robust pipeline for current-use gifts. 

• Conduct at least 125 one-on-one visits (in-person, Zoom, and phone) to engage, solicit, and steward prospects and donors. 

• Partner and collaborate with the Assistant Director of the Annual Fund on annual giving calendar, targets, themes, and engagement strategy for the year. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Development and Alumni Relations, and across the University as appropriate, to share intelligence and coordinate engagement strategies. 

• Use data, research, and performance metrics to prioritize activity, inform decision-making, and drive toward ambitious annual revenue and activity goals. 

Collaboration, Engagement, and Institutional Representation  

• Serve as a compelling and informed ambassador for the GSD, articulating the School’s mission, vision, and priorities—and the urgency of design’s role in addressing global challenges—in a clear and inspiring way. 

• Attend and staff approximately 5-10 GSD receptions in conjunction with annual industry/professional conferences and will leverage these conferences for meaningful visits and meetings. 

• Partner effectively with faculty, School leadership and staff, and University partners as needed to amplify annual giving at the GSD. 

• Contribute positively to a collaborative team culture that values openness, learning, and shared success across all Development and Alumni Relations functions. Participate actively in the GSD campus community.

Stewardship and Donor Experience 

• Manage and oversee the Leadership, Loyalty, and Legacy Giving Circles. Develop high-impact stewardship strategies for these annual donors. 

• Ensure high-quality stewardship for leadership donors, informing tailored impact reporting, recognition, and ongoing engagement aligned with donor interests. 

• Collaborate with colleagues to develop creative engagement opportunities that deepen donors’ connection to the GSD’s work, including managing the Term Fellowship cohort of donors.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all donor and prospect activity in the Development CRM, supporting transparency, continuity, and institutional memory. 

Metrics, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement 

• Meet or exceed annual goals for visits, solicitations, dollars raised, and other key performance indicators. 

• Regularly review portfolio performance, pipeline health, and progress against goals with the Senior Director of Annual and Leadership Giving. 

Working Conditions:

• This position generally requires one to two days per week in-person at the GSD campus in Cambridge, MA throughout the academic year. 

• Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a visa. 

• Candidates who do not live within commuting distance of our Cambridge, Massachusetts campus should indicate on their resumes whether they are “willing to relocate,” as this position requires a regular on-campus presence.

Physical Requirements:

Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years of frontline fundraising experience (or equivalent experience in a directly transferable area of development or institutional advancement), with a demonstrated track record of securing four- and five-figure gifts. 

• Proven ability to manage the full donor cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences. 

• General computer literacy, including proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace) and experience with at least one Development CRM (e.g., Advance, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or similar). 

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (primarily domestic) and to work occasional evenings and weekends as donor and event schedules require. 

• Commitment to working in person on campus in Cambridge at least one day per week as part of a hybrid work arrangement. 

Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required withthe submission of your application. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated success working independently to develop and execute tailored strategies for a diverse portfolio of prospects. 

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and earn the trust of donors, senior leaders, faculty, and colleagues. 

• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with comfort working in a metrics- and goal-oriented environment. 

• High level of professional judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential information and donor relationships. 

• Interest in design and the built environment, and the ability to represent the GSD’s work and vision compellingly and credibly. 

• Strategic and analytical mindset: Able to synthesize information, prioritize opportunities, and design multi-step strategies that align donor interests with institutional needs. 

• Independent and proactive: Comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, taking initiative, and driving work forward without extensive direction, while knowing when to seek input. 

• Collaborative team player: Values shared goals, communicates openly, and contributes to a culture of mutual respect, learning, and support. 

• Persuasive storyteller: Able to connect the urgency of design education—and issues such as climate, housing, and social equity—to compelling cases for philanthropic investment. 

• Adaptable and resilient: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment; able to pivot strategies, manage ambiguity, and sustain focus on long-term goals. 

• Detail-oriented and organized: Manages multiple priorities, deadlines, and relationships simultaneously, with strong follow-through and meticulous record-keeping. 

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable
• Other Information:

  Salary ranges within each pay grade are based on qualifications, skills, experience, equity in comparison to similar positions, and external market values. Salary ranges allow for differences among positions within the same grade as well as increasing levels of responsibility and performance within the same job. For more information regarding salary ranges at Harvard, please see: https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges  

  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. 

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 058. 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.

Salary Grade: 058