- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Salary Range: $75,000 - $83,000
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
As part of the Office of Alumni & Development, the Annual Fund Programs (AFP) team manages the development and implementation of broad-based marketing in support of annual giving at Columbia. AFP works both at the University level and with individual schools and units to plan and execute comprehensive, integrated, multi-channel marketing initiatives. In addition, AFP leads the planning and implementation of Columbia Giving Day, a University-wide 24-hour online giving initiative.
Reporting to the Director of Annual Fund Programs (AFP) in the Office of Alumni and Development (OAD), the Associate Director is a critical member of the AFP team. The Associate Director leads the planning, implementation, management, and execution of Columbia Giving Day, the University’s flagship online fundraising initiative, as well as other fundraising campaigns and central initiatives, and administers OAD’s targeted marketing campaign platform. The Associate Director manages direct report(s), and works with multiple internal constituents and external vendors in pursuit of engagement and fundraising goals in a digital-first environment.
Work may involve start-to-finish execution of new and existing initiatives, or coordination and oversight of a defined aspect of a project, including digital platform execution, depending on the needs of the team at the time. The Associate Director will use exceptional organizational, analytical, and project management skills to fulfill the scope of work.
The Associate Director will also oversee the new Digital Donor Experience program responsible for engaging constituents of the institution on a personal (one-to-one) level, primarily through digital channels.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Leads the planning and strategic development of Columbia Giving Day and serves as the primary liaison for both internal stakeholders and external vendors.
- Drives digital innovation, leveraging emerging technology and creative strategy to enhance engagement and fundraising for Giving Day and other campaigns and programs.
- Manages Giving Day projects, including platform development and integration, as well as internal communication, education, and training.
- Manages direct report(s), and as such is responsible for goal setting, performance evaluations, and coaching.
- Assumes leadership role with internal Giving Day team subject-matter leads.
- Analyzes data and metrics from platform and website, and makes data-driven decisions to generate gifts and dollars, as well as engagement with the Giving Day website.
- Benchmarks Giving Days and other fundraising campaigns to drive innovation and industry best-practice; ensures that Columbia Giving Day remains a gold standard in higher education giving day campaigns.
- Manages proprietary platform for targeted marketing campaigns; acts as subject matter expert, providing guidance and consultation for fundraising units utilizing this platform in pursuit of fundraising goals.
- Identifies and manages additional OAD fundraising marketing campaigns and programs in consultation with OAD Programs leadership.
- Leads Digital Experience Officer (DXO) program, overseeing team in leveraging new technology and digital resources to engage, solicit and steward prospects, with a focus on increasing engagement metrics and donor counts.
- Collaborates with Prospect Development team to build portfolios for DXO program.
- Develops and implements comprehensive and integrated direct marketing engagement, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to secure gift income for various annual funds at Columbia University through digital and other communications, as needed.
- Performs additional duties, and special projects as required.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and a minimum of four (4) years of related experience are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google G Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive).
The ideal candidate will be deadline-driven and have an intense attention to detail. This individual will be proactive in problem-solving, managing relationships, and anticipating problems that may arise, and quickly and independently resolving unforeseen situations along the way. Demonstrated experience in project management with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including ability to develop and manage project management systems; must possess ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail. Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and active listening skills. The successful candidate must be a tactical thinker, effective in moving strategic agendas, 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, be flexible in nature, have a sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization. Must uphold the Office of Alumni and Development core values (respect, partnership, ownership, and integrity) which set standards of conduct and collaboration. Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous work experience in a higher education institute, or other complex organization, is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising platform software is preferred. Experience in design work, specifically with Photoshop and/or Adobe Illustrator, as well as experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud, is a plus. Adept at incorporating emerging digital technology into portfolio of marketing tools.
Other Requirements
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.