Advertised Summary Job Description: Reporting to the Deputy Director for Annual Fund Programs (AFP) in the Office of Alumni and Development, the Assistant Director is an important member of the Annual Fund Programs team.
The Assistant Director plans, implements, and manages annual fund solicitations for various schools and/or programs and oversees e-mail and social media strategies and implementation, including creating and editing written copy and reviewing live proofs for projects within Annual Fund Programs. Works with multiple internal constituents and vendors as direct marketing projects are brought to completion. Projects may include information gathering, creating and copy writing, and project execution, in addition to coordination and oversight of projects, depending on the needs of the office at the time.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Develops and implements comprehensive and integrated direct marketing solicitation strategies to secure gift income for various annual funds at Columbia University.
- Meets routinely and is a member of the larger Office of Alumni and Development Digital Team.
- Guides and participates in the creation of e-mail and social media content, including working with other staff to craft effective solicitations for audience engagement, conversion, and stewardship.
- Proactively manages graphic designers, production artists, and vendors, from bidding process to completion of project.
- Drafts and edits e-mail and online copy for style, accuracy, grammar, spelling and punctuation, and prepare for publication.
- Ensures content aligns with messaging at the school, program, and University level.
- Implements e-mail solicitations and stewardship via mass e-mail utility tool.
- Analyzes and reports ROI (open, click, and conversion rate) and cost-benefit analysis of direct marketing projects.
- Understands database processes for capturing gift, demographic, and other data.
- Submits database query requests for mailing lists to data analyst/database team. Manages data query projects with database team to ensure accuracy of the list. Creates electronic data files of mailing lists for annual giving solicitations and related direct marketing.
- Independently analyzes data related to solicitation result tracking, segment composition, and population performance.
- Participates in the planning and execution of Columbia Giving Day
- Performs additional duties, and special projects as required.
General Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and/or its equivalent required. Minimum of 2 years of related experience. Proficient in Microsoft Office and knowledge of e-mail platforms is required. Must be able and willing to travel, some night and weekend work will be required.
Additional Specific Minimum Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be deadline-driven with an intense attention to detail. In addition, this individual will be proactive in client and vendor management, anticipating problems that may arise and quickly and independently resolving unforeseen situations along the way. Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including: project management, teamwork, analytical thinking and client/customer awareness. Must possess the ability to work with changing priorities and multiple projects. 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. Demonstrated ability to effectively partner with a diverse group of administrators and academic leaders. 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: Familiarity with HTML coding is preferred. Work experience in higher educational institution, or other complex organization, highly preferred.
As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Council of Ivy Group Presidents (Ivy League), it is imperative that members of the Columbia University community, in all matters related to the intercollegiate athletics program, exhibit the highest professional standards and ethical behavior with regard to adherence to NCAA, Conference, University, and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education rules and regulations.
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. |
