Director of Development

The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University seeks a dynamic and creative philanthropic leader to serve as its first Director of Development. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing institute charged with developing and promoting effective, durable, and equitable solutions to some of the biggest climate challenges confronting humanity. 

Launched in 2022, the Salata Institute was made possible by a $200 million naming gift to Harvard University by Melanie and Jean Salata. The Institute aims to develop pathbreaking approaches to the climate crisis by harnessing the intellectual power of Harvard, leveraging expertise across the University, catalyzing new areas of research, and generating real-world solutions in conjunction with policy makers and decisionmakers around the world. Working across Harvard’s twelve schools, the Institute is designed to build upon the University’s impressive body of research in climate and climate-adjacent fields through the establishment of research clusters; creation of platforms for engaged dialogue on climate solutions; and development of new pathways for student education and participation in the creation and advancement of climate and sustainability solutions.

Philanthropy is essential to the Salata Institute’s success. For this reason, the Institute seeks an experienced development professional who is deeply knowledgeable of the philanthropic space in climate and sustainability, especially as it intersects with higher education. Reporting to George Sarrinikolaou, Executive Director of the Institute, and working in close coordination with a dotted line to colleagues in Harvard University Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D), the Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of individual major gift prospects, corporations, and foundations, who are either in early stages of a relationship or have had no prior relationship or affiliation with Harvard.

The successful candidate will engage prospective donors and Harvard faculty and staff in developing and executing funding strategies that yield global impact. The ideal candidate will have a track record of entrepreneurial spirit and initiative, and familiarity with a network of climate philanthropists. Important to the success of this position is deep and broad knowledge of climate issues and the various perspectives and nuances of the climate field across many disciplines, and the aptitude to learn quickly and be conversant about Harvard’s work in this area. With the Institute’s support, Harvard scholars address the climate challenge in their classrooms and their laboratories, and can influence government, business, civil society, and communities in ways that lead to a sustainable future.

Jack Gorman is leading this search with Grace Zakim, Maureen Perry, and Lisa Clayton.