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Director of Prospect Research and Strategic Insights

United States, Boston · Job Posted February 07, 2026
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Job Description

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.

Job Responsibility

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Requirements

  • 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

Nice to have

  • 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

What we offer

  • 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
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