Wyss Institute at Harvard University
Senior Manager, Donor Relations
Wyss Institute at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
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Senior Manager, Donor Relations
role at
Wyss Institute at Harvard University .
Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why Join the Wyss Institute at Harvard University? The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground‑breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges.
Job Description About you:
You are a collaborative, impact‑focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to innovate and apply your knowledge to tackle projects in a fast, past‑paced, entrepreneurial environment. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.
About the role:
We are looking for a Senior Manager of Donor Relations to partner closely with the Director of Strategic Engagement to strategically grow and manage a portfolio of new prospects and donors. In this role you will be a key contributor to expanding the donor base and strengthening stewardship practices that align with the Institute’s strategic goals. You will serve as an integral member of the Strategic Engagement Team and interact with a wide range of world‑renowned academic innovators, scientists, engineers, industry research professionals, internal grants teams, communications and business development professionals, and development specialists at Harvard University’s Development Office (UDO).
Portfolio Growth and Management:
Identify, collaborate and solicit a portfolio of new prospects and donors in collaboration with the Director.
Support the design and execution of donor engagement strategies, including planning of special events and the creation of high‑impact engagement sessions for prospects. Work in collaboration with the Event and other Wyss internal teams to align these opportunities with organizational priorities.
Coach internal staff and evaluate presentations to ensure alignment with philanthropic interests and organization priorities.
Manage event budget with oversight from the Director in collaboration with the Events team.
Research and analyze donor capacity, interests and philanthropic priorities to inform engagement strategies.
Donor and Prospect Engagement & Stewardship:
Develop and deliver personalized donor communications in collaboration with the Communications team.
Identify compelling topics, narratives and updates reflective of target audiences’ philanthropic passions.
Finalize all donor‑facing materials, including proposals, campaign tools and reports, in collaboration with the Communications team, faculty and researchers.
Oversee stewardship of annual reporting and ensure timely acknowledgement and recognition of gifts.
Oversee the Instrumentation Gift Program, an established program which funds lab enhancement and equipment, ensuring user feedback from this program aligns with active usage of instruments and appropriate project alignment.
Data and Systems Optimization:
Identify gaps in data analysis and provide recommendations to strengthen reporting and streamline processes.
Contribute to the development and implementation of new systems that support efficient and timely proposal creation for the Institute.
Networking and Relationship Building:
Build and maintain strong relationships with prospects, donors, staff, faculty and other key stakeholders to expand the Institute network and supporters.
Represent the Institute at events, meetings and other engagement opportunities.
Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor and collaboration within and across teams.
Qualifications What you’ll need:
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of related experience. Advanced knowledge of fundraising required.
Desirable skills:
Prior experience in a science or technology‑focused organization.
Strong track record in engaging new donors and raising philanthropic funds.
Excellent organizational skills and/or team leadership experience.
Additional Information
Standard hours/schedule: 35 hours per week.
Visa sponsorship information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑employment screening: Identity and education.
Benefits
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.
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.
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Senior Manager, Donor Relations
role at
Wyss Institute at Harvard University .
Company Description By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why Join the Wyss Institute at Harvard University? The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground‑breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges.
Job Description About you:
You are a collaborative, impact‑focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to innovate and apply your knowledge to tackle projects in a fast, past‑paced, entrepreneurial environment. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.
About the role:
We are looking for a Senior Manager of Donor Relations to partner closely with the Director of Strategic Engagement to strategically grow and manage a portfolio of new prospects and donors. In this role you will be a key contributor to expanding the donor base and strengthening stewardship practices that align with the Institute’s strategic goals. You will serve as an integral member of the Strategic Engagement Team and interact with a wide range of world‑renowned academic innovators, scientists, engineers, industry research professionals, internal grants teams, communications and business development professionals, and development specialists at Harvard University’s Development Office (UDO).
Portfolio Growth and Management:
Identify, collaborate and solicit a portfolio of new prospects and donors in collaboration with the Director.
Support the design and execution of donor engagement strategies, including planning of special events and the creation of high‑impact engagement sessions for prospects. Work in collaboration with the Event and other Wyss internal teams to align these opportunities with organizational priorities.
Coach internal staff and evaluate presentations to ensure alignment with philanthropic interests and organization priorities.
Manage event budget with oversight from the Director in collaboration with the Events team.
Research and analyze donor capacity, interests and philanthropic priorities to inform engagement strategies.
Donor and Prospect Engagement & Stewardship:
Develop and deliver personalized donor communications in collaboration with the Communications team.
Identify compelling topics, narratives and updates reflective of target audiences’ philanthropic passions.
Finalize all donor‑facing materials, including proposals, campaign tools and reports, in collaboration with the Communications team, faculty and researchers.
Oversee stewardship of annual reporting and ensure timely acknowledgement and recognition of gifts.
Oversee the Instrumentation Gift Program, an established program which funds lab enhancement and equipment, ensuring user feedback from this program aligns with active usage of instruments and appropriate project alignment.
Data and Systems Optimization:
Identify gaps in data analysis and provide recommendations to strengthen reporting and streamline processes.
Contribute to the development and implementation of new systems that support efficient and timely proposal creation for the Institute.
Networking and Relationship Building:
Build and maintain strong relationships with prospects, donors, staff, faculty and other key stakeholders to expand the Institute network and supporters.
Represent the Institute at events, meetings and other engagement opportunities.
Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor and collaboration within and across teams.
Qualifications What you’ll need:
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of related experience. Advanced knowledge of fundraising required.
Desirable skills:
Prior experience in a science or technology‑focused organization.
Strong track record in engaging new donors and raising philanthropic funds.
Excellent organizational skills and/or team leadership experience.
Additional Information
Standard hours/schedule: 35 hours per week.
Visa sponsorship information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑employment screening: Identity and education.
Benefits
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.
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.
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