4.0
5 Jan 2026
Current employee, more than 3 years
Cambridge, MA
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook
Pros
This role supports frontline fundraisers in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences with a focus on Harvard College students. The mission, colleagueship, and the university president’s efforts are overall highly valued. Colleagues can be described as skilled, supportive, and approachable. The position also benefits from being part of a union.
Cons
It’s a fast‑paced environment, and things can become hectic when negative media headlines spark sudden surges in workload. Opportunities for Development Assistants to advance internally are limited. Most move into a coordinator position or shift over to Operations. Earning an Assistant Director role or higher is difficult, even with long tenure.