Position Title: Assistant Director, College Reunions (Time-Limited)
Req ID: 67693BR
School or Unit: Alumni Affairs and Development
Description: Job Summary
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).
This is a six month time-limited position based in Cambridge, MA in a hybrid work environment.
This position is the program owner of multiple reunions, focusing on Harvard College alumni who graduated 56+ years ago. Reports to the Director of Reunions & Classes and is part of the College Alumni Programs team. Works in close partnership with alumni and several partner teams across Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) Events in a fast-paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
The Assistant Director personally manages the 60th, 65th, and 70th spring Reunions, working in partnership with alumni committees comprised of approximately 25-40 volunteers to plan and customize each class's reunion experience. Designs and delivers reunion programs that align with class interests. Serves a critical role in representing Harvard to more than 90,000 College alumni.
This position also serves as the primary staff lead for the Crimson Society, which includes all College alumni who have celebrated their 50th Reunion. This role partners closely with the Crimson Society Committee - a group of approximately 30 volunteers - to identify topics and issues of concern to the cohort. Liaises closely with internal partners to plan the Crimson Society Celebration in the spring.
Position Description
Work closely with alumni volunteers and AA&D colleagues to develop, market, and implement reunion programs and communications that reach, serve, and engage alumni. Oversee volunteer committees through the spring.
Connect alumni to the University through their participation in reunion activities and through a more cohesive, collaborative presentation of university interests at these activities.
Partner with HAA colleagues and alumni to set marketing and outreach strategy for classes in portfolio.
Guide reunion committees in creating reunion programming that is of interest to diverse segments of the class.
Partner with the Events team in organizing the logistical aspects of the reunion. Align volunteer preferences with budget goals.
Serve as the staff liaison for the Crimson Society Committee in their work to raise the profile of the Society and to illuminate issues and topics that are relevant to the cohort.
Other duties as required.
The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other duties, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the level of the position.
Basic Qualifications
BA/BS degree at an accredited institution; minimum of four years of relevant experience.
Advanced knowledge and demonstrated experience with volunteer development and oversight.
Superb written and oral communications skills, with excellent attention to detail. Strong grammar, spelling and proofreading skills are essential.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Experience in an academic or non-profit environment preferred.
Professional, proactive, collaborative, and results-oriented, able to adapt to changing priorities.
Exceptional customer service skills.
Able to establish and promote good working relationships with alumni volunteers and colleagues. Must have an even disposition with a poised confidence and the ability to deal effectively and politely with people from different backgrounds or experience levels and in all types of situations. It is essential that this individual be courteous and flexible under stress.
Advanced organizational skills with ability to take initiative, work independently, and demonstrate excellent follow-through. Able to prioritize and multi-task to meet demands in fast-paced environment, and successfully complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
Able to juggle a vast quantity of incoming information, interruptions, and inquiries with a high level of professionalism and tolerance for ambiguity. Able to work independently and take initiative. Professional, proactive, collaborative, and results-oriented and able to adapt to changing priorities.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound, and confidential judgment. Maintain a professional, caring, and conscientious demeanor at all times.
Cultural sensitivity and awareness of diversity issues regarding the internal and external Harvard community.
Excellent computer skills including the Microsoft suite: Word, Outlook (Calendar), Excel and PowerPoint. Experienced user of social media to enhance marketing efforts strongly preferred.
Job occasionally requires standing for long periods of time and the ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
Occasional weekend and evening event work required (significant in anticipation of and during Spring Reunions).
Candidates must be available to work June 1-8, 2025.
Additional Information
This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
Please include a cover letter with your application.
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.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 301057 Alumni Affairs Professional
Job Function: Alumni Affairs and Development
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 057
Department: Alumni Affairs and Development
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
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.
EOE 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.
