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Job Summary

Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) comprises the University Development Office (UDO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, AA&D Resources, and the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA). There is a unique relationship between the University and the FAS fundraising operations, resulting from a long history in which University fundraising ultimately grew out of College fundraising.

Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development
FAS Development is responsible for the fundraising efforts supporting the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, including Harvard College, the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. FAS Development staff work with Harvard College donors, alumni, parents, and friends who provide critical support for the FAS and often for other parts of the University.

SUMMARY:
The position serves as main copy editor of donor communications for the FAS Donor Relations team, reviewing scholarship reports and student biographies, stewardship reports, acknowledgments, and recognition materials. This role will also periodically assist with other team activity, including researching and writing stewardship reports to principal and major donors to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) about how their gifts have been used to benefit education in the FAS at Harvard, and will collaborate with prospect managers in reviewing and tailoring that donor correspondence. The Copy Editor/Proofreader, FAS Donor Relations must possess superb writing, editing, and fact-checking abilities, meticulous proofreading skills, a close attention to detail, and superior time management skills. The individual must also be able to work with confidential information with a high level of discretion. The role will report to the Senior Associate Director for Donor Relations.

Position Description

• Must be an experienced copy editor and writer, with excellent proofreading and editing skills and a strong command of English grammar.
• Must have the ability to adapt style to many voices while ensuring consistency across communications.
• Must pay exceptional attention to detail, be able to multi-task, and remain organized while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality and a high level of professionalism under deadline pressure.
• Must fact-check prose for accuracy based on a variety of sources, including questionnaire responses, fund use information from administrators, the BSR Advance alumni database, and online sources.
• Responsible for verifying beneficiary information, fund use information, and standardizing reports for consistency. Must be willing to help communicate these standards to writers.
• As assigned, writes stewardship reports and acknowledgments.
• Must be able to work without close supervision, accept constructive feedback, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates a focus on superior customer service, a strong work ethic, and an ability to take initiative.
• Must be able to electronically review and edit reports.
• Serves as a resource for team and other FAS Development colleagues with regard to language, style, grammar, and proofreading best practices. May be asked to review other documents within the organization as needed.
• Requires strong computer skills: Microsoft Word and Excel; ability to locate reputable information on the Internet; knowledge of FileMaker Pro, BSR Advance, InDesign, or ability and willingness to learn.
• The above covers the most significant responsibilities of the position. It does not, however, exclude other appropriate and legitimate duties that may be required.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum three years professional copy editing/writing experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• College degree from an accredited institution preferred.

Additional Information

• This position requires a 3 month orientation and review period.
• Please include a cover letter with your application.

Why AA&D?
We are a dedicated team of 400 alumni affairs and development professionals supporting Harvard's advancement activity through roles that include front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, events, communications, prospect management and research, business process, talent management and many other areas.

Harvard's Alumni Affairs and Development team inspires and galvanizes alumni, friends, and members of the University community to support Harvard through philanthropy, governance, and active engagement. AA&D believes a workplace that reflects the diversity of our society and our ever-evolving University constituency makes us a stronger and more effective organization. Our goal is to create an environment of respect that values the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community, 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. AA&D strives to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, innovation and sharing of information in our daily interactions and our work.

To learn more about our Alumni Affairs and Development team, please visit our website 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.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially 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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