Assistant Director of Advancement Operations - VP for University Advancement - University at Albany

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.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to Vice President, University Advancement

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 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 internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Experience working directly with a Board of Directors.
• Practical experience in divisional work-planning and project management.

Working Environment:

Typical office environment