Assistant, Principal & Major Gifts

The Assistant provides administrative support to two fundraisers on Principal and Major Gifts (PMG) which raises funds from individuals, families, and family foundations for priorities in research and care across Dana-Farber.  This role includes data entry, managing correspondence, calendar, mail, travel arrangements, and appointments, in addition to other administrative duties as assigned. The ability to multitask is required. Responsible for assisting the entire Division with reaching financial goals.

Embody Dana-Farber’s Core Values: Impact; Excellence; Compassion & Respect; and Discovery every day. Add value to the Dana-Farber community by seeking opportunities to collaborate across the Institute.  Foster an ethical, positive, results-oriented culture founded on open communication. 

Dana-Farber is currently in the quiet phase of its campaign ‒ the largest and most ambitious fundraising effort in the Institute’s history; one that will serve as a catalyst, enabling the Institute to change the landscape of cancer medicine and, ultimately, eradicate the disease.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Resume and cover letter required with application submission.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Requirements

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in tracking prospects/donors by keeping prospect records current in ClearView database, entering cultivation/stewardship steps, and conducting preliminary research on prospects/donors as needed;
• Handle projects pertaining to specific fundraising areas staffed by managers, including annual Presidential Symposium;
• Assist in meeting management, coordination and logistics (including booking space, confirming donor visits, overseeing travel arrangements, coordinating calendars, preparing meeting materials, and minutes);
• Communicate with major donors, prospective donors, faculty, and staff as requested by mangers;
• Assist in development and production of written material such as mailings, letters, and acknowledgements, memos, reports, proposals, and briefings;
• Process gifts and pledges in accordance with office protocols;
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of ClearView fundraising software, Microsoft Office, JasperSoft, and other software systems used by the Philanthropy office;
• Provide back-up support for colleagues as needed and front desk as requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reports to one Director and one Assistant Director of Principal & Major Gifts. Good judgment is required for interacting with confidential information, as well as Institute prospects/ donors, Trustees, faculty, and staff.

Qualifications

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree and/or administrative training degree required. As this level position is often considered a “base” for someone pursuing a career in Philanthropy, a Bachelor’s degree is preferred. 0-2 years of administrative experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Excellent written and verbal communications skills with a strong orientation to customer service. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage a variety of projects and multitask in a fast-paced organization. Directed and self-starting attitude with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team and work with a variety of personalities. Solid computer skills.

This position will evaluate current programs and create and execute approved plans to expand and diversify the donors and participants for the events assigned in order to broaden our donor base and create even more inclusive events. Experience with diverse donors is a plus.

PATIENT CONTACT:

No.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Typical office setting. Some over-time or weekend work is required.

* To protect the health and safety of our patients and staff, in person donor visits and travel are on hold and will resume in accordance with Institute guidelines. 

DIVISION OF PHILANTHROPY INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, & EQUITY COMMITMENT STATEMENT:

We’re stronger together.

In the Division of Philanthropy, we believe in the power of different voices. We encourage authenticity and diversity of every individual within our community. Our collective voices – donors, volunteers, staff, and patients alike – allow us to work together towards a world without cancer. Committed to being a place of inclusivity, belonging, and change, these are our core values. 

DFCI DISCLAIMER:
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

DFCI offers a competitive benefits package including generous healthcare and retirement plans, at minimum 3-weeks’ vacation time in addition to 9 paid holidays, a flexible work environment, and work/life balance. We also provide an array of professional development opportunities.*

*All benefits subject to Institute changes

We’re hiring! Learn more about working in the Division of Philanthropy and view all open positions.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.