The Donor Relations and Development Communications team is responsible for communications that encourage engagement and investment from prospective and current donors to Harvard Law School. Through alumni-focused marketing and communications and a comprehensive donor relations program, our outreach spans from the earliest stages of cultivation, through the completion of a gift, and then recognition and stewardship of each commitment to support HLS.

The Donor Relations Assistant is responsible for handling a wide range of administrative support, project coordination, and proofreading activities for the Donor Relations team and its reporting programs, including gift acknowledgment letters, fund reports (stewardship), and the annual Report of Gifts. Working within a larger team, we are looking for a collaborative team player with a strong customer service mindset and keen attention to detail. This will be a great opportunity for someone who is interested in learning more about donor relations and has an interest in proofreading and writing.

As a Donor Relations Assistant, you will:

• Support the weekly acknowledgment letter program for gifts to Harvard Law School. Responsible for reviewing and proofreading merged letters, helping to resolve gift concerns, and sending all letters via email and mail.
• Coordinate periodic recurring, honorary, and memorial gift acknowledgment programs. Generate internal reports and processes to facilitate the production of letters and merges, assist with drafting report templates, obtain approvals, and send letters.
• Partner closely with and support the acknowledgment work of the Donor Relations Coordinator. Act as backup lead for weekly acknowledgment letter program.
• Assist in drafting language for gift acknowledgments and other external communications as needed.
• Provide administrative and editorial support for the annual Report of Gifts, fund reporting programs, and the biannual pledge reminder program.
• Assist in proofreading Donor Relations team communications.
• Oversee file management for Donor Relations, including emailing, mailing, scanning, and archiving letters and reports.
• Develop a strong understanding of gift processing in Advance. Work with Donor Services to investigate and resolve gift-related questions.
• Manage the donor relations inbox, respond to inquiries, and coordinate with other departments to answer questions.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Minimum of three years related administrative experience. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.

We are looking for people who have:

• Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365, particularly in Word and Excel, and willingness to master new software applications and technologies. Experience with fundraising databases.
• The ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Confidentiality, discretion, and sound judgment dealing with donor records and gift information.
• Experience in development/advancement, particularly in donor relations, gift processing, or stewardship is a plus.
• Experience drafting letters and correspondence.
• A commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

• 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.