Biomedical Science Careers Program Director of Development

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP) exists to ensure people of every race, ethnicity, gender, and financial background are represented in science and medicine, while also enabling science-related industries and institutions to build a more inclusive workforce. For many students today, a future in science or medicine is nothing more than a fantasy, if they even dream about it at all. Our students often didn’t see doctors or nurses who represented them growing up. Many didn’t have anyone encouraging their scientific curiosity at school or at home. And more than 50% are from families where one or both parents only have a high school diploma. These barriers result in a huge loss of talent for our sector. And the costs are significant for all of us, from patients to doctors and beyond.

BSCP’s strategy is rooted in helping students build confidence, connections, and community—three pillars critical for success in the competitive biomedical field. We help break down the barriers that prevent many promising young people from pursuing a future in the biomedical fields. We connect talented students and fellows with the mentors, tools, and experiences needed for success in this competitive environment. We build a community that provides a space where they feel respected, valued, and free to be themselves. Since 1991, more than 18,000 students and fellows have benefited from BSCP’s work. This includes participants from all fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico, as well as representation from 41 countries.

To provide these supports and resources to students at no cost to participants, BSCP will raise more than $2.5 million through private philanthropy in 2026—a number we anticipate increasing in future years as programs and staffing grow. We have had a successful track record of growth since 2023, with a 54% increase in revenue for our annual Evening of Hope gala celebration and a 25% increase in contributions raised outside of the event.

THE OPPORTUNITY

To build on this momentum, as we enter our 35th anniversary year, BSCP is seeking a collaborative fundraising professional who is a natural relationship builder to help lead and expand our development program. As the first Director of Development, this new position will be responsible for growing philanthropic support from individuals and corporations; cultivating and stewarding relationships with partners, supporters, and prospects; advancing supporter engagement efforts; and collaborating with program staff to engage corporate partners and their employees with volunteer opportunities.

The Director of Development will report to BSCP’s Executive Director and work closely with our longtime Development and Communications Strategist. The Strategist is currently under contract through December of 2026 and will ensure a robust, responsive implementation of fundraising and communications systems at the organization. The Director will have access to additional external supports, including an events management vendor, a database expert for our donor management system, and a graphic designer.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The primary responsibilities for the Director of Development position include the following:

Outreach and Engagement, Relationship Building, and Direct Fundraising (50%)

• Lead BSCP’s front-facing development efforts through building relationships and growing philanthropic support from a portfolio of individuals, family foundations, and corporate partners.

• Design a donor stewardship program with tiered levels of engagement for BSCP’s supporter base; collectively implement the program with team.

• Connect corporate supporters to volunteer opportunities with BSCP programs and facilitate smooth handoff to programs staff for direct engagement.

Cultivation Events and Gala Support (20%)

• Plan and execute small-scale cultivation and fundraising events (two to three in 2026), often in conjunction with major organizational programs, to introduce new people to the organization, connect supporters with students, and deepen existing relationships.

• Work as part of team to execute BSCP’s annual Evening of Hope celebration, particularly around sponsorship outreach, supporter engagement, support of the event host committee, and post-event follow-up; attend meetings with the host committee.

Internal Support of Staff, Board, and Committees (15%)

• Work as part of team to assist the Executive Director in managing donor relationships, including meeting preparation and background research; attend meetings with the Executive Director, as appropriate.

• Work as part of team to support BSCP’s Board Development Committee and event committees in their fundraising efforts and donor outreach; attend committee meetings.

Administration and Infrastructure (15%)

• Manage BSCP's donor management system (Bloomerang), including data entry, gift tracking, and communications records. Ensure smooth and efficient gift processing and acknowledgments. Produce reports and lists for enhanced donor engagement and operational efficiency.

• Participate in weekly staff meetings, regular team meetings, and supervisory check-ins.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. That said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

• Minimum of 7 years relevant work experience in nonprofit fundraising and development.

• Excellent interpersonal, written communication, and listening skills.

• Strong relationship-building abilities and follow-up skills.

• Ability to think strategically and innovatively, to develop new ideas, and to gain stakeholder buy-in.

• High level of independent judgement, initiative, accountability, and flexibility.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively with internal teams, administrators, volunteers, and donors to advance engagement and fundraising goals.

• Organized and comfortable working with CRMs to maintain detailed donor records as well as pull and analyze data.

• Passion for ensuring all communities have the opportunities and resources to pursue education and careers in STEM.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This position has a salary range of $100,000 to $140,000. BSCP Employees receive benefits through Harvard. You can review the Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.

• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at accredited institutions.

• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

POSITION DETAILS
This is a hybrid role where you are expected to be on-site at our Longwood campus three days per week, with one of those days being Thursday. Remaining days and schedule will be determined in conjunction with the manager.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to stay up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Harvard Medical School cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

TIMELINE & HIRING PROCESS

We will review and respond to all applications received. Candidates elected to advance through the process can expect:

• Initial screening with Positively Partners

• Hiring manager interview with the Executive Director and the Development & Communications Strategist, including a simulated pitch

• Multi-part final interview with key stakeholders from the BSCP staff & board

• Comprehensive reference check process

The target start date for the Director of Development is late March 2026.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and a thoughtfully written cover letter through our online portal. We will review and respond to all applications received. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience leading donor relationships and shifting between strategic leadership and day-to-day execution. For confidential inquiries or assistance completing the application, please contact the search team at Positively Partners.

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