- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Salary Range: $67,000 - $70,000
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
Reporting to the Senior Associate Director for Annual Fund Programs (AFP), the Assistant Director plays a key role in the planning, implementation, and management of broad-based marketing in support of annual giving. As a strong project manager, the Assistant Director works with multiple internal constituents and external vendors in pursuit of engagement and fundraising goals in a digital-first environment. To succeed in this role, candidates must be proactive in partner and vendor management, anticipating problems that may arise and quickly and independently resolving unforeseen situations along the way.
Work may involve start-to-finish execution of new and/or existing projects, or coordination and oversight of a defined aspect of a project, depending on the needs of the team at the time. The Assistant Director will also be expected to use exceptional organizational, analytical, and project management skills to fulfill the scope of work.
As part of the Office of Alumni Relations & 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.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Work with fundraising and alumni relations partners and colleagues as project manager on broad-based marketing solicitations to implement strategy, timing, messages, segmentation, and population definition. Expected to anticipate and interpret needs of partners and colleagues, and be flexible with changing timelines.
- Perform broad-based marketing work in alignment with fundraising goals and available resources.
- Collect, integrate, and apply input to broad-based marketing strategies and projects from internal and external stakeholders.
- Proactively provide recommendations and incorporate best practices to achieve desired outcomes.
- Guide and implement broad-based marketing solicitation strategy and mail/email list segmentation inclusive of clusters and personas as informed by annual goals and objectives.
- Guide and participate in the creation of direct mail and digital marketing content (email, social media, SMS messaging, and web platforms), including working with other staff to craft and execute impactful and effective solicitations.
- Proactively manage graphic designers, production artists, print vendors, and mail houses, from bidding process to completion of project.
- Regularly communicate project status and changes in project timeline or scope.
- Submit database query requests for mailing lists to database technical team. Manage data query projects with database team to ensure accuracy of the list. Create electronic data files of mailing lists for annual giving solicitations and related projects.
- Proofing detailed data for personalization and verification for personalized mailings, as needed.
- Assist with the analysis of data related to solicitation result tracking, segment composition, and population performance. Provide analysis of direct marketing projects outlining the return on investment (ROI).
- Develop an understanding of goals and priorities at the University level and across academic units.
- Assist with the planning and execution of Columbia Giving Day.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree and a minimum of two (2) years of related experience are required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google G suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, etc.). Demonstrated experience with project management skills 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. Demonstrated experience with, and comprehensive understanding of, the use of direct mail, e-mail, and phone channel solicitation to generate and sustain annual support. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement solicitation efforts for large numbers of prospects and multiple segments. Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and active listening skills. Must be able to problem-solve and troubleshoot, in addition to the ability to work independently in a dynamic team environment. Must be able to negotiate issues, resolve problems and have strong influencing 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
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and initiative in follow-up. Work experience in a higher educational institution, or other complex organization, is desirable. Knowledge of digital marketing tools like Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Facebook ad manager, Adobe design and/or InDesign is a plus.
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.