Development Assistant Specialist, Direct Response Marketing

USA – MA – Cambridge, Job Summary Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) 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 University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and the Office of the Vice President (OVP). An integral part of the Direct Response Marketing team, this position involves coordinating assets and supporting project materials for appeal production, ensuring quality control throughout. The Development Assistant Specialist must communicate effectively with diverse teams and provide outstanding customer service to enhance the experience of donors, alumni, and internal partners. Position Description Provides DRM team with project support including asset coordination, proofreading, captioning, appeal data review and quality control, ad hoc basic design support, and preparing project materials for production. Leads production of lists mail and email fundraising efforts. Participates in audience segment discussions, pulls lists, aligns files with copy decks, and applies tracking measures. Anticipates data opportunities and challenges and works to identify solutions. Monitors mail and digital appeal schedules, ensures adherence by following up with key players. Distributes appeal calendars and samples; maintains the DRM page on The Source (Alumni Affairs & Development?s internal website). Leads management of email accounts and responses to digital appeals. Exercises sound judgement on high-sensitivity topics; ensures excellent customer service to cultivate trust and appreciation. Reports out to the team, particularly around appeal deployment dates. Maintains standard email responses and anticipates new donor/prospect needs creatively. Regularly update alumni/donor database, ensuring accurate and timely entry of information. Generates appeal codes and QR codes, requests vanity URLs, submits mass upload requests, and maintains select donor lists in support of tracking appeal results. Manages essential records, processes, and repositories for the DRM Team: asset libraries, foundational job aids, and project management filing systems. Proactively ensures that job aids are current and accurate. Assists the Managing Director with budget tracking and expenses. Supports DRM team for expense reports, supply orders, and meeting planning and scheduling and helps with Development Communications team-wide meetings and events. Cultivates favorable relationships and works closely with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development to accomplish annual goals. Serves as key liaison and DRM ambassador with other Development Assistants throughout AA&D. Basic Qualifications 1-2 years of related experience, education may count towards experience Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) with the capability to master new software applications and technologies in database management. Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail Strong interpersonal and communication skills Occasional overtime hours may be required. Additional Qualifications and Skills Collaborative and results-oriented team player with a willingness to learn/proactively acquire new skills as technologies and best practices evolve Shows creativity and intellectual curiosity, as well as initiative and flexibility Ability to work independently and prioritize in a complex organizational environment Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and databases; tools and platforms such as Photoshop, InDesign, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, ThankView, and social media. Ability to establish and promote good working relationships with peers, alumni, and donors. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles Additional Information This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period. Please include a cover letter with your application. To learn more about the AA&D team, please visit our Careers site at https://alumni.harvard.edu/careers To learn more about how Harvard supports diversity and inclusion throughout the University please visit the Office for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at https://dib.harvard.edu/ . Accommodations : Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please let your recruiter know. COVID 19 Vaccination Information: The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. Benefits We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include: Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers. Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date. Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more. Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service. Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools. Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions. Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning. Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more. Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston. Work Format Remote Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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