About the Wyss:
The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.
Role Description:
The Wyss is looking for a collaborative, out-of-the-box thinker with interest in science, engineering, venture capitalism, and start-up companies to join our Strategic Engagement Team. Strategic Engagement works with philanthropic visionaries to ensure that our vibrant community of scientists, clinicians, business leaders, and futurists have the support and freedom they need to conduct this critical interdisciplinary work through innovation and entrepreneurship. In this role, you will support philanthropy activities by leading the creation of network maps while gaining hands-on experience with prospect research techniques.
What you’ll do:
- Gain an understanding of prospect research and philanthropy/development office work, including workflows, sources of information, and industry-standard practices, with hands-on support.
- Utilize databases and tools to conduct prospect research, including iWave, PitchBook, Guidestar, Foundation Directory Online, and others. Produce network maps.
- Create a standard schema to capture information in network maps and collocate network map information into searchable tools, boosting department efficiency.
- Support data integrity by following Strategic Engagement processes and principles.
- Collaborate in an interdisciplinary setting to meet project milestones.
- Create documentation to reflect the work completed on this project.
- Attend regular meetings and training sessions as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
What you’ll need:
- Enrolled in or recently graduated from a master’s degree program at an accredited institution, MLIS preferred. Undergraduate students with 3+ years of study and related experience or coursework may also be considered.
- Strong organizational skills with excellent analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills, including an ability to approach problems in a detailed manner while maintaining the big picture.
- Ability to learn and use library resources after training.
- Familiarity with metadata standards.
- Strong planning and excellent follow-up management skills required.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Passionate, responsible, pro-active, with an ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite products and interest in advancing skills when necessary for completion of projects.
- Experience working in prospect research, development, or other philanthropy roles a plus but not required.
Compensation: $20-25/hour
Work format details:
Part-time position, 2 days (14 hours) per week.
Duration: 3-month temporary assignment with the possibility of extension.
Role is hybrid on-site and remote, with some on site work required. Any remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business. (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA , MD, ME, NH, NH, NY, RI, VA, VT and WA).
Where you can apply:
Please send your resume to faculty_postdocs@wyss.harvard.edu using the subject line, “Prospect Research Assistant.”
Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.