Reporting to the Director of Major Giving, the major gift officer (MGO) is a key member of the broader Harvard Business School frontline fundraising team and is responsible for driving philanthropic revenue from individuals believed to be capable of making multi-year gift commitments of between $1M and $24.9M. The MGO is responsible for the qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of approximately 150 households with the goal of maximizing their philanthropy in support of Harvard Business School priorities. S/he will be expected to develop strategies to drive these activities, collaborating often with colleagues from across the broader External Relations (ER) organization, the School, and the University. In collaboration with colleagues across ER, the MGO may engage in the development and execution of regionally-focused engagement activities to support development objectives.

Specific duties and responsibilities will include:

• Qualify, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of ~150 HBS households with the capacity to make multi-year gift commitments of between $1M and $24.9M.
• Develop an understanding of and travel frequently to assigned region to achieve annual fundraising goals and to develop pipeline of future fundraising activity.
• Develop and represent a strong working knowledge of the top fundraising priorities for the School, other HBS activities and initiatives, and the School’s presence in the MGO’s assigned region.
• Contribute to the planning of regional events, engagement opportunities, and faculty/senior administration travel.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development, including the articulation of an annual professional development plan.
• Perform other responsibilities upon request, as needed

Education: 

BA/BS and 8 + years of overall experience including over 5 years in front-line fundraising or similar.

Additional Qualifications:

Candidates with fewer years of experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a different salary grade.

Additional Information:

• A strong command of fundraising principles, a high level of organization and professionalism, an openness to new ideas, and a commitment to the goals and objectives of HBS.
• The ability to conceptualize, assess, develop, and implement effective donor-centered fundraising strategies.
• A proven fundraising track record that includes directly soliciting, negotiating, and closing seven-figure gifts. Preferably in an academic setting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to relate to donors, volunteers, and colleagues, including: tact, diplomacy, discretion, good judgment, and the ability to maintain confidentiality in and outside of the organization.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, detail-orientation, and ability to self-motivate.
• Enthusiastic contributor to the Major Giving team and the broader ER community.
• Willing and able to travel and, as needed, to work evenings and weekends.

Many HBS employees are eligible for Flexible Work Arrangements, which may be explored during the interview process.

Cover Letter is Required.

Culture of Inclusion: The work and well-being of HBS are strengthened profoundly by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and much more.