Development Associate

Columbia University
United States, New York, New York
Dec 12, 2024
Job Type: Officer of Administration Regular/Temporary: Regular Hours Per Week: 35 Salary Range: $63,700-$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 The Climate School Office of Development seeks a Development Associate to join their team and provide administrative support at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus in Palisades, NY. The Climate School is committed to educating the next generation of climate leaders, conducting groundbreaking interdisciplinary research to address the climate crisis, and galvanizing this education and research for real-world impact. The Development Associate works with the Climate School Development team by providing administrative, research, development, and logistical support for the Climate School development team, as well as designated officers and other fundraisers, as needed. Works collaboratively to provide wide-ranging support to development efforts. Supports development-related engagement events and tours as assigned by the Senior Director of Development and Leadership Giving. Responsibilities Participates in project planning and logistics of development engagement events and tours, within and outside the University. Includes alumni and community relations efforts and Open House and American Geophysical Union. Assists with the Public Lecture series, the Earth Series, and other engagement events. Arranges and conducts campus tours for development. Supports the Development team by providing mailing lists, analytical reporting on gifts and activity, and donor list management; including data integrity and quality control, processes gift transmittals, inputs contact reports, and drafts acknowledgments. Drafts correspondence and maintains electronic files of commonly used letters and materials. Conducts internet and database research to support major gift and annual fund efforts by the Associate Dean for Advancement, the Senior Director of Development and Leadership Giving, and designated officers. Assists with donor prospect screening and background investigation. Provides analyses related to potential donors, gift potentials, and other strategic opportunities in conjunction with the Associate Dean for Advancement and the Senior Director of Development and Leadership Giving. Maintains logistics of operations, including travel arrangements, venue bookings, and catering and rental arrangements as well as interactions with internal and external vendors; completes PCard reconciliations for the department, processes expenditure reports for reimbursements in Concur; greets and receives guests who are visiting our office to participate in meetings and events. Provides backup administrative support for other officers when additional support is required on team project assignments. Performs other related duties as required. Some overtime may be required on evenings and weekends. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2-4 years of related experience are required. Minimum of three years of experience in an administrative support role is required. Experience in higher education, events, and project management is a plus. Ability to work well in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment and to manage several projects at one time. Exceptional written communication and relationship-building skills are required. Must be professional, highly organized, creative, efficient, collaborative, and have a strong attention to detail. Able to work successfully both individually and as part of a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel required; knowledge of Advance, Salesforce or similar development databases preferred. Must have a willingness and aptitude to learn other applications as needed. Must be flexible and willing to take on new responsibilities within a growing program. Must also be flexible to travel between Columbia campuses as required. Some travel may be required. Some evening work is required. Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.