Position Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Vice President for Development, Columbia College and Arts & Sciences/ Senior Associate Dean for Columbia College Development and Alumni Relations, the Assistant Director (AD) partners with the Executive Assistant to the DVP/ Senior Associate Dean to assist in the coordination and oversight of development operations within the unit. The Assistant Director expedites the careful coordination, planning, implementation, and follow-up of the units’ top priorities and will provide strategic support to the DVP/ Senior Associate Dean.  The AD will assist in staffing a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting fundraising priorities for the College and Arts & Sciences and will also assist in supporting the BOV, CCAA volunteer committees, partnering closely with the DVP/ Senior Associate Dean, Senior Executive Director for Development, Arts & Sciences and Athletics/ Associate Dean, Columbia College Development and Alumni Relations, and the Senior Director of Development, Columbia College/Arts & Sciences.

Responsibilities

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Help execute development priorities of the unit consistent with the goals set forth by the Office of Alumni and Development and Columbia College; partner with the Executive Assistant for DVP/ Senior Associate Dean as point of contact and linchpin that serves to integrate the work and communication between the DVP/ Senior Associate Dean and the senior leadership team.
• Assist in operations within the unit to ensure goals are accomplished by consistently driving relevant agendas and priorities forward; work collaboratively and successfully with academic administration, members of the senior leadership team, and a broad range of colleagues, as well as with members of the Columbia community and outside constituents.
• Assist with briefings; create agendas and other related correspondence and materials for the unit to ensure senior staff’s preparedness for meetings and events; ensure strategic planning and active participation for DVP/Senior Associate Dean on appropriate boards and attendance at key University events.
• Provide support for reporting and volunteers related to existing and future College and Arts & Sciences campaigns and high-level initiatives.
• Help with operational tasks as needed: assist in the preparation and coordination of complex proposals and gift agreements for high-level prospects; provide reporting, including data analysis and the preparation of donor reports and donor research; partner with internal colleagues to track incoming gifts and commitments; prepare meeting minutes and special reports involving fundraising initiatives and objectives; track and report on prospect, volunteer, and fundraiser activity.
• Track pipeline management and strategy for high-level prospects and make suggestions to the DVP/Senior Associate Dean; partner with the DVP/ Senior Associate Dean in staffing the deans, senior leadership, and gift officers in their work with high-level prospects and volunteers.
• Assist DVP/Senior Associate Dean and the senior leadership team on employee engagement to support greater employee development and promote morale, including conceptualizing staff retreats, implementing employee recognition tactics, and establishing a culture of open communication.
• Provide support in cultivating, managing, and stewarding new and existing prospects and developing key relationships within and outside the University.
• Coordinate and collaborate with College and Central Stewardship to handle high touch stewardship reporting for benefactors and top donors.
• Assist in the coordination of special events and programming to support fundraising and alumni relations objectives.
• Foster an environment conducive to accountability, information-sharing, and collaboration; work toward continually coalescing team members within the Annual Fund, Major Gifts, Athletics, Development Initiatives, Alumni Relations, and Communications departments.
• Other duties and special fundraising projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; minimum of three (3) years of related experience including prior experience in or knowledge of the nature and operation of research universities highly desired. Must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial skills with analytical ability and experience with strategic planning processes. Must possess the ability to work with changing priorities and multiple projects. Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including exquisite attention to detail and active listening skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree preferred. 

Other Requirements

Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. Proven achievement of excellence in a variety of competencies including: project management, teamwork, analytical thinking, and client/customer awareness.

Must be resourceful and adept at identifying issues and bringing them to resolution. The ability to work independently with minimal direction in a dynamic team environment is essential. Demonstrated success in effectively partnering with a diverse group of administrators and academic leaders. Must be able to navigate issues and negotiate outcomes using strong influencing skills.

The successful candidate must be a strategic thinker, effective in moving strategic agendas, politically savvy, ensure the utmost discretion in all matters, as well as possess an ability to work well with all levels of management both internally and externally. Must be flexible in nature and have a sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization. Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.