Description

Summary

The Associate Director of Special Projects is a full-time professional position reporting to the Senior Director and Chief of Staff, Office of the Senior Vice President for Advancement and is responsible for the oversight and coordination of all the advisory and engagement councils that are affiliated with the Office of Advancement ensuring best practices are followed uniformly. In coordination with the assigned liaisons to each advisory council, as well as the Senior Vice President for Advancement, the Associate Director will oversee a leadership pipeline designed to ensure talent is identified, cultivated, and dispersed across all advisory councils; will track council giving, regular communication, program and agenda creation; will oversee and ensure flawless execution of all quarterly council meetings and related events, including but not limited to presentation templates, flow charts, timelines, invitations, RSVPs, venue choices, room layout, and optimal technical details; will oversee and ensure the completion of any necessary follow-up post-meeting/event. This position will coordinate with the Advancement Events and Advancement Communications & Marketing teams as needed to ensure standard protocols are followed and to guarantee best use of university spaces and resources.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills, including the ability to manage multiple demands and multiple projects under tight deadlines; prioritize and complete work assignments with limited or no direct supervision in a fast-paced, busy office.

• With a high-level of professionalism and proactivity, ability to work independently as well as with other administrative and academic departments, faculty, staff, students, alumni groups, and the general public.

• Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and database software.

• Professional and positive attitude; ability to multi-task and maintain composure in a fast-paced and high-stakes environment.

• Ability to participate on cross functional teams.

• Ability to make informed decisions and follow through on commitments to achieve them on time.

• Required to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment at all times.

• Experience managing budgets and accounts.

• Strong team leadership and management skills.

• Availability to work occasional nights and weekends if needed.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree and 5 years' experience providing advanced level direction of administrative, fundraising, and event planning support. Transferable experience such as marketing, public relations, project management, sales, admissions, alumni relations, or experience working with high-level executives, politicians, or high net-worth individuals may be considered.
OR

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 7 years' direct experience.

Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to the values of an institution of higher education.
• Educational and professional experience that demonstrates a commitment to the values of higher education and/or nonprofit organizations.
• Director or managerial experience, preferably in a fundraising setting, or direct frontline fundraising experience.

• Graphic design skills helpful.

• Event planning experience.

• Professional and positive attitude.