Associate Director, Marketing Initiatives, Marketing Optimization & Integration

Position Summary

The Marketing Optimization & Integration team within the Office of Alumni Relations & Development (OAD) partners closely with cross-functional teams across the University to leverage industry-leading technology and deliver omni-channel marketing campaigns that reach constituents through their preferred channels, at the right time, with the right content. The Marketing Strategy & Enablement department comprises three teams: Marketing Analytics & Performance, Marketing Content & Creative, and Marketing Optimization & Integration.

Reporting to the Director, Marketing Optimization & Integration, the Associate Director, Marketing Initiatives coordinates and manages assigned lifecycle marketing projects in support of alumni engagement and fundraising goals. The Associate Director works with OAD colleagues, schools, units, vendors, and University partners to implement approved marketing plans, track project milestones, review campaign performance data, and support continuous improvement of marketing workflows and campaign execution.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a knowledgeable resource to schools and units in support of assigned marketing campaigns by reviewing performance metrics, identifying trends, and providing data-informed recommendations.
• Coordinates project management activities with colleagues across the Marketing Strategy & Enablement team to support the successful delivery of constituent-focused marketing initiatives from planning through execution.
• Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships with schools, academic units, and University partners to support the implementation of approved marketing plans and campaign objectives.
• Implements integrated engagement, solicitation, and stewardship campaigns across digital and traditional channels in alignment with established marketing strategies.
• Identifies opportunities to test new tools, channels, and approaches and shares observations and recommendations with department leadership to support ongoing improvement of marketing efforts.
• Reviews campaign performance data and prepares reports and summaries that identify trends, measure results, and support future campaign recommendations.
• Supports the use of the Accelerate platform by coordinating assigned campaign activity, maintaining campaign records, assisting users, and escalating technical or process-related issues as needed.
• Shares campaign results, project updates, and lessons learned with colleagues and University partners through meetings, presentations, and written communications.
• Assists in the development of direct mail and digital marketing campaigns by coordinating project activities, supporting content development, and collaborating with colleagues on fundraising and donor communications.
• Coordinates work with external vendors, including print vendors and mail houses, by assisting with bid collection, tracking production schedules, monitoring deliverables, and escalating issues when necessary.
• Coordinates projects in support of Columbia Giving Day and other University-wide fundraising and engagement initiatives.
• Independently resolves routine project and campaign issues, identifies potential risks or delays, and escalates complex or unforeseen issues to the Director with recommended solutions.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of related experience is required.
• Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications, including Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Drive.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience establishing, developing, and fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work experience within a higher education institution or other complex organization is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising and constituent engagement platforms is preferred.
• Experience with design and digital marketing tools is preferred; experience with Salesforce and Adobe Illustrator is a plus.
• Demonstrated flexibility, sound judgment, and a collaborative work style that fosters teamwork and cooperation both within the immediate team and across the broader organization.

Other Requirements

• Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni Relations 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.

Columbia University offers a full range of benefits to help you and your eligible dependents stay healthy, build long-term financial security for retirement, and meet educational goals. To explore the available Health and Welfare, Tax Savings, Tuition, Well-being and Voluntary Benefits options visit: https://humanresources.columbia.edu/benefits.