Executive Assistant, Principal Gifts

Position Summary

The Principal Gifts team within the Office of Alumni and Development supports the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of seven-, eight-, and nine-figure gifts and grants to Columbia University. Principal gift officers maintain a portfolio of 25-50 high net worth individuals, families, and/or foundations and work collaboratively and independently to raise funds for Presidential and School/Unit priorities. Team members often partner with the President, Provost, and school and unit based development officers and/or deans and unit heads for gift cultivation and solicitation support.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts, the Executive Assistant provides executive level support to the Assistant Vice President and other members of the Principal Gifts team, including complex calendar management, meeting and special event management, and the implementation of processes and procedures that aid in the overall functionality of the office.

Responsibilities

• Managing an extensive calendar for the Assistant Vice President; preparing briefings, agendas and related correspondence for the Assistant Vice President.
• Identifying and developing systems to facilitate the smooth functioning of the office of the Assistant Vice President and the implementation of organizational objectives. Particularly important are information management and tracking systems related to pledge payments and reminders; stewardship letters, reports, and events; and other short and long-term administrative and fundraising related needs of the office as assigned.
• Responsible for the processing of reports; conducting research for reports; preparation of materials, minutes or meeting summaries, as assigned; and putting together special reports regarding fund raising goals and initiatives. Interfacing with donors, donor representatives, senior University officials and faculty on a consistent basis.
• Responsible for supporting the Assistant Vice President, and/or other members of the Principal Gifts team in producing potential donor lists, follow-up, and tracking documents as needed.
• Collaborating with other senior staff of the Office of Alumni and Development team, and participating in the implementation, planning and coordination of special events as assigned.
• Arranging travel for the Assistant Vice President and other members of the Principal Gifts team as needed.
• Working closely alongside and providing support for other members of the Principal Gifts team, including managing a calendar; preparing meeting materials; processing reports and gathering data; and tracking projects as assigned.
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and/or its equivalent.
• Minimum of two years’ related experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information with excellent judgment and discretion.
• Accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work with diplomacy and efficiency in a high pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft, especially in Excel.
• Database experience is recommended.

Preferred Qualifications

• Database experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including; project management, teamwork, and client/customer awareness.
• Experience in a development office or in a higher education setting.

Other Requirements

• Possess the ability to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature, and have sound judgment.
• Have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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