Executive Assistant

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

University Advancement

Job Summary

The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to ensure the efficient functioning of University Advancement. This position is responsible for coordinating office activities across CSU Foundations, the Office of Development, Advancement Services, Accounting, and the Office of Alumni Engagement.

The Executive Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for the Foundation Board of Trustees and Foundation Properties, Inc., coordinating all communications, meetings, and activities with the Board on behalf of the CAO/Executive Director of the CSU Foundation. This role manages board-related logistics, documentation, and communications to ensure effective governance and engagement. In addition to supporting the CAO in daily operations, the Executive Assistant assists with planning and executing events and initiatives for University Advancement, contributing to the overall success of the division.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Provides high-level administrative and operational support to the Chief Advancement Officer and University Advancement, including managing the CAO's calendar, appointments, and meetings, preparing and sending communications on their behalf, and ensuring smooth daily operations and effective workflow across the division (50%).; Research, schedule, and coordinate travel arrangements for the Chief Advancement Officer's business travel, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with institutional policies (as needed).; Serves as the primary liaison and coordinator for the CSU Foundation Board of Trustees, Foundation Properties, Inc., and various Foundation committees; plans, schedules, and manages meetings, and prepares and maintains official meeting minutes and related documentation (25%).; Provides thorough, accurate, and timely responses to stakeholder requests for information, demonstrating exemplary customer service in all interactions (as needed).; Plans and execute meetings and events as requested to include scheduling and reserving appropriate meeting location, send meeting notices or invitations, prior to meetings or events, call or send e-mail reminders, maintain RSVPs for meetings or events, coordinate event management; take minutes as needed, act as University liaison for fundraising events (as needed).; Collaborates effectively with the Office of the President and other University departments to support institutional priorities and initiatives (as needed),; Develops and implements efficient systems utilizing information technology to track, manage, and streamline processes within University Advancement (as needed).; Collaborates with and supports the Foundation and the Office of Alumni Engagement in planning and executing special events and related initiatives (as needed).; Provides managerial support for the business functions of University Advancement, including processing weekly payment requests; ordering office supplies; maintaining shared copiers; preparing and reconciling corporate credit card statements; reconciling monthly Aramark invoices; and running reports for University Advancement state budget accounts (25%).; Manages and supervises student assistant workers, including training, scheduling, and oversight of assigned duties (as needed).

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications include: Entry into the application pool requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Education, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field. At least ten years of relevant professional experience demonstrating the ability to exercise independent judgment, provide leadership, interact effectively with the public, take initiative, deliver exceptional customer service, manage routine to moderately complex administrative tasks, and exhibit event planning skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational abilities are required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications include: Candidates must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, and experience with The Raiser's Edge software is preferred.

Proposed Salary

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $51,503 - $56,441 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: The ideal candidate will have five to eight years of full-time experience in University Advancement, with demonstrated expertise in alumni engagement, donor management, and development. An Associate's degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field is preferred. The candidate should have experience planning and executing special events, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and providing project management support. Proficiency with database systems, information management, and donor stewardship is required, along with exceptional written and verbal communication skills. This position also requires a high level of tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality when interacting with all stakeholders of the University, community, and the University's donors.