Assistant Director of Advancement Operations

Established in 1844 and designated a University Center of the State University of New York in 1962, the University at Albany's broad mission of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service engages a diverse student body of more than 17,000 students in nine schools and colleges across three campuses.

Located in Albany, New York, New York State's capital, the University is convenient to Boston, New York City, and the Adirondacks.

The Assistant Director of Advancement Operations serves as the primary voice and reporting lead for the Vice President, translating divisional activity into high-level strategy and executive communications. This role is responsible for drafting critical reports, board-level presentations, and institutional correspondence on behalf of the VP to ensure consistent messaging and executive alignment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Divisional Reporting
• Lead the development of the division's annual work plan; identify key strategic initiatives, secure necessary funding, and design metrics to measure and report success.
• Assessment & Effectiveness: Serve as the Advancement lead for university-wide Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment; spearhead the comprehensive 5-year Self-Study Assessment report.
• University at Albany Foundation (UAF) Board Liaison
• Board Stewardship: In partnership with the VP and Associate Executive Director, manage and advance the UAF Board of Directors by refining meeting agendas, materials, and high-level engagement strategies.
• Governance Support: Act as the primary liaison to the UAF Nominating Committee; manage agendas, identify and vet prospective board members, and draft formal committee resolutions.
• Executive Communications
• Speechwriting & Presence: Research and draft high-stakes remarks for the VP for major engagements, including Foundation Board meetings, University Council, University Senate, and Alumni Association events.
• Strategic Writing: Author and edit executive reports, complex proposals, and high-level correspondence that reflect the VP's voice and the University's mission.

Job Requirements:

• Communication Mastery: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Discretion: Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Soft Skills: High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• 3 to 5 years of professional experience in executive communications, governance support, and strategic reporting within a higher education, nonprofit, or advancement setting.
• Demonstrated experience providing high-level administrative or strategic support to executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Communications, or Public Administration from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Experience working directly with a Board of Directors.
• Practical experience in divisional work planning and project management.