CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $165,000 - $180,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Vice President of Development, Columbia College/Arts & Sciences / Senior Associate Dean for Alumni and Development for Columbia College, and working in consultation with other University leaders, faculty, and staff, the Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of College Alumni Relations and Engagement and supports signature fundraising and engagement events.  

Responsibilities

• Directs the broad-based engagement of 54,000 alumni worldwide in the life of the College and the University both on campus and in their home cities, activities ranging from platforms and operations to events and programming.
• Develops and oversees implementation of plans to increase alumni participation through events and programs both within NYC, nationally, and globally.
• Leads the alumni relations staff and manages the day-to-day operations.
• With a focus on a strong partnership with central College offices and the Special Events, Annual Fund, Communications, and Marketing teams, helps disparate teams function effectively as a cohesive unit. Solves problems and answers key questions through close interactions with team leaders and the College’s leadership team.
• Provides strategic leadership in program development, policy formation, and staff management for Columbia College alumni relations. Plays an active role in the leadership of Columbia College to advance its mission and goals. The Executive Director will: 
  • Work to expand alumni engagement and the base of support for the College. Promote and support opportunities to work with volunteers and alumni leaders to shape and to implement a comprehensive engagement and fundraising strategy.
  • Provide oversight and management of the College’s Alumni Relations operations, including major volunteer programs such as but not limited to Odyssey Mentoring Program, Columbia College Women, Columbia College Young Alumni, Reunion Committees, and Columbia College Intellectual Programming.
  • Drive the overall strategy for the College’s signature alumni events including Reunion, Homecoming, West Coast Honors, the John Jay Awards Dinner, and the Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner.
  • Assume role as principal liaison for the Columbia College Alumni Association and the other volunteer organizations. Ensure coordination of each committee's initiatives with the Dean's overall goals and priorities for the College. Work closely to develop coordinated and effective College and University alumni relations programming that increases alumni engagement and satisfaction. Participate in the collaborative efforts toward the strategic goals set by the Dean for the College. Serve as a member of University's Alumni Management Team for College and University alumni relations collaboration and coordination.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or its equivalent required.
• Minimum of seven years' experience in creatively and sensitively approaching alumni relations, volunteer management and/or board management in a similar complex-structured organization.
• Demonstrated ability to create, manage and set priorities and to work with diplomacy and discretion in a highly pressured environment.
• Must possess an aptitude to work effectively with people at all levels of an institution, including trustees, dean, faculty, staff and alumni.
• Proven skills and track record in staff management and team building is required.
• Strong leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, manage and develop a goal-oriented team of professional and administrative staff.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.

*This position requires evening and weekend work and travel as necessary.*

**Applications submitted without a resume and cover letter will not be reviewed.**

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Knowledge of fundraising is preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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