Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights

The Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights plays a critical role in advancing Harvard Business School’s (HBS) philanthropic priorities by leading prospect research, capacity analysis, and due diligence across External Relations (ER) and beyond. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development Services, this role provides strategic oversight of research, reputational risk assessment, and lead tracking, applying consistent standards and intelligence across External Relations and beyond.

In addition to serving as the central authority for due diligence, the Director leads the development research function, managing a team of researchers who provide high-quality, actionable intelligence and capacity assessments. The role ensures that research outputs are integrated into fundraising strategies and that the team partners consultatively with frontline fundraisers to drive successful prospect engagement and solicitation.

Key Responsibilities:

Due Diligence Leadership

• Serve as lead authority for due diligence, ensuring a consistent and transparent process across External Relations and beyond.
• Develop and guide protocols aligned with Harvard University’s gift acceptance policies and international standards.
• Provide School leadership and the frontline with timely, strategic, and actionable risk assessments on prospective donors, corporations, and foundations to safeguard the School’s reputation and inform long-term fundraising strategy.

Strategic Prospect Research & Analysis

• Oversee research strategies to identify, qualify, and prioritize major and principal gift prospects in alignment with HBS fundraising priorities.
• Guide the team in translating wealth indicators, philanthropic patterns, and engagement/affinity scores into strategic insights that inform cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Lead methodologies for accurate capacity ratings, including HBS evaluations and advanced financial analyses. Ensure that the research team provides proactive, consultative support to frontline fundraisers, offering tailored research, briefings, and strategy recommendations.

Lead Tracking & Systems Collaboration

• Direct the design and use of lead tracking systems to monitor pipeline activity and identify emerging opportunities.
• Partner with ER IT to refine systems, models, and engagement scoring that support data-driven fundraising strategies.
• Ensure integration of research outputs into advancement systems for broad accessibility and strategic use.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of prospect researchers and analysts, fostering a culture of rigor, innovation, and collaboration.
• Position the research team as a strategic thought partner to frontline fundraisers, providing consultative guidance and insights that elevate donor strategy and engagement.
• Promote professional development and active engagement in associations such as Apra and CASE.
• Serve as a visible leader across HBS, building partnerships with Development, Alumni Marketing & Communications, Alumni Relations, and University colleagues.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in prospect research, advancement services, or development strategy, with significant leadership experience in higher education or complex nonprofit environments is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in capacity rating, wealth analysis, due diligence, and philanthropic risk assessment.
• Proven success in developing lead tracking systems, engagement scoring models, and data-driven fundraising strategies.
• Strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to confidentiality, compliance, and upholding Harvard University policies.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strategic leadership in advancement research and due diligence
• Authority in reputational risk management
• Skills in lead tracking, systems collaboration, and engagement scoring
• Team leadership and consultative partnership with frontline fundraisers cross-school collaboration and influence

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education. Criminal
• Other Information:

  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.

  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.

  • A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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.