Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement and External Relations

Job no: 494243
Position type: Staff full-time
Location: Abilene
Division/Equivalent: Advancement
Categories: Advancement/ Alumni

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About ACU

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.

Title of Position Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Advancement and External Relations
Posting Location Abilene, Texas
Department Advancement and External Relations
Employee Class Nonexempt Full-time
Basic Responsibilities
  • Provide strategic executive support for the VP to assist in managing all aspects of the VP’s workload, providing structure and accountability for completion of tasks.
  • Provide major gift portfolio support to the VP and the President’s Office to ensure that priority relationships are being developed, maintained and enhanced.
  • Manage the Advancement budget and personnel processes.
  • Provide general operational management for the Office of Advancement.
Essential Duties

Executive Support

  • Provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the VP, managing workload, priorities, and follow-through on key initiatives.
  • Strategically manage the VP’s calendar to ensure meetings and engagements align with division and institutional objectives.
  • Coordinate all aspects of the meeting cycle, including scheduling, materials preparation, travel arrangements, documentation of key discussions, and scheduling of follow-up actions.
  • In the VP’s absence, ensure timely handling of requests for information or action by delegating appropriately or communicating directly with the VP.
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of Advancement activities, projects, and goals to support informed decision-making.

Major Gifts and Constituent Relations

  • Provide major gift portfolio support for the VP and President’s Office, ensuring priority donor relationships are cultivated and maintained.
  • Coordinate local, regional, and national travel and meetings with donors, trustees, alumni, and parents; track follow-up and relationship progress.
  • Collaborate with the President’s Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff to coordinate presidential fundraising travel, prepare prospect materials, and confirm meeting logistics, supported by advancement prospect researcher.
  • Draft, edit, and proofread a range of documents, including correspondence, proposals, gift agreements and presentations.
  • Manage constituent communications on behalf of the VP, ensuring timely and accurate responses.

Budget and Personnel Administration

  • Oversee Advancement budgets, track expenditures, and provide analysis during planning cycles.
  • Process purchase orders, journal entries, and travel reimbursements for the VP; serve as backup to the
  • Administrative Coordinator for Advancement for other division travel and purchasing management..
  • Manage personnel actions (ePAFs) for job postings, hiring, terminations, and compensation changes; assist with onboarding of new employees.
  • Hire and supervise student employees in collaboration with the Administrative Coordinator for Advancement.

Operations and Project Management

  • Ensure an organized, professional, and collegial office environment that supports collaboration across Advancement.
  • Provide administrative support for Advancement Directors’ meetings and VP one-on-ones, including scheduling, agendas, and minutes.
  • Coordinate logistics for biannual division meetings, including scheduling, speakers, materials, and catering.
  • Independently lead and support process improvement initiatives; analyze procedures, recommend efficiencies, and prepare reports or documentation as needed.
Professional Development Requirements

Skills:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Highly organized and proactive approach to work load
  • Ability to work with limited supervision and serve as a division leader
  • Professional demeanor and ability to interact with many different types of constituencies
  • Goal-oriented and able to prioritize multiple demands

Training Modules Required:

  • CRM Advance
  • Workday
  • Google Suite (Calendar, Sheets, Drives, Docs and Chats)
  • Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
  • GiveCampus
  • Zoom
Qualifications

Professional

  • High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of three to five years of administrative/office management experience required, demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility.
  • Budgetary or bookkeeping experience preferred.

Personal

  • Maturity, discretion, integrity and ability to manage confidential information
  • Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to ACU’s Christian mission and values
Physical Demands
  • Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time
  • Ability to set up meeting sites (may involve moving and setting up tables and chairs)
  • May need to lift 25-30 pounds
  • Occasional need to work beyond regular office hours for special events
Additional Information

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.

 

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