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Eric Ambrette
Director of Development, Major Gifts, Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University
Professional Background
Eric Ambrette is a highly accomplished professional in the field of higher education administration and development, with a wealth of experience encompassing fundraising, alumni relations, and institutional advancement. Currently serving as the Director of Development for Major Gifts at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the prestigious Harvard University, Eric has dedicated his career to fostering connections between institutions and their supporters. His role involves strategizing and implementing comprehensive fundraising campaigns that resonate with alumni and donors, thereby enriching the educational experience for countless students at Harvard.
Throughout his career, Eric has held various significant positions at esteemed institutions. Before his current role at Harvard, he was the Director of Leadership Gifts for the New York Region at Boston University. In this capacity, he led a team focused on cultivating relationships with high-level donors, ensuring their continued support and engagement with the university's mission. Eric's earlier roles at Boston University included Senior Leadership Gift Officer and Leadership Gift Officer for the East Coast, where he honed his expertise in major gift fundraising and donor engagement strategies.
Eric's journey in the educational development sector began at Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he served as the Associate Director of Institutional Advancement. Here, he demonstrated his ability to build effective programs that highlighted the value of the institution, leading to significant increases in donor contributions. His professional background also includes experience in the financial sector as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, where he gained valuable insight into donor psychology and financial planning, skills that enhance his current fundraising strategies.
In addition to his extensive experience in fundraising, Eric has also made a significant impact in alumni relations, notably at Middlebury College, where he served as an Alumni Officer. Here, he developed programs that engaged alumni networks and fostered a sense of community and belonging, enhancing the overall alumni experience and encouraging philanthropic giving.
Education and Achievements
Eric Ambrette's educational background is impressive and directly complements his professional pursuits. He earned a Master of Education (M.Ed) with a focus on Higher Education Administration from Boston University, where he developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the higher education landscape. His experience at Boston University not only provided him with theoretical knowledge but also practical insights into the complexities of fundraising, donor relations, and institutional dynamics.
Prior to his advanced studies, Eric completed his Bachelor of Arts in Physics at Middlebury College. This rigorous academic training has equipped him with critical thinking and analytical skills that have proven invaluable in his career in development. The combination of his technical training in physics and his leadership in higher education positions him uniquely within the philanthropic landscape.
Throughout his career, Eric has achieved numerous successes in fundraising initiatives, contributing to significant increases in institutional support and engagement. He is known for his meticulous approach to relationship building, which has led to successful long-term partnerships with alumni and donors alike. His ability to articulate the impact of philanthropic contributions ensures that supporters feel connected to the mission and vision of the institutions he represents.
Achievements
Eric Ambrette's contributions to the field of higher education development are numerous and noteworthy. As the Director of Development for Major Gifts at Harvard University, he has played a pivotal role in securing substantial gifts that nurture the Faculty of Arts and Sciences' programs and initiatives. His leadership has not only translated to increased financial support but also enhanced the university's capacity to offer exceptional educational experiences to its students.
Under his direction at Boston University, Eric was instrumental in launching several successful fundraising campaigns, significantly increasing the university's donor base and enhancing its visibility as a leader in higher education. His innovative approaches to donor engagement and stewardship have set new benchmarks within the southeastern fundraising sector.
Additionally, Eric's work in alumni relations has fostered a strong sense of community among graduates, thereby creating a network that not only supports the university financially but also enriches student experiences through mentoring and support programs. His ability to connect with alumni on a personal level has been crucial in driving engagement and ensuring continued commitment to the university's mission.
Eric Ambrette's dedication to the field of higher education administration and his acute understanding of development strategies make him a distinguished leader in his industry. His collaborative approach and commitment to excellence continue to inspire those around him, establishing him as a respected figure in higher education and fundraising.
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