Assistant to Vice President

Apply now Job no: 503247 College / VP Area: Development & Alumni Rel Work type: Staff Location: Newark, DE Categories: Development & Alumni Relations, Full Time

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations (VP), the Assistant to the Vice President oversees and coordinates the VP’s activities and functions as an extension of the VP, anticipating needs, working independently, and providing proactive support. The Assistant must exercise initiative, critical thinking, and sound judgment while managing complex priorities and ensuring the smooth execution of mission critical work.

The Assistant provides high level administrative support to the Vice President and the Senior Associate Vice President for Presidential, Principal Giving & Strategic Priorities. The Assistant also leads project management efforts to advance the strategic initiatives and leadership priorities of the Office of the Vice President with efficiency and precision. The role develops systems and processes, crafts executive correspondence, and creates, prepares, and oversees confidential reporting, including Board of Trustees, PLC, PAA, and Campaign materials, as well as high level external engagement efforts and related projects.

The Assistant conducts in depth analysis to support informed decision making and strengthen organizational effectiveness. This position enables the Vice President to focus on higher level priorities with confidence that the office and its many responsibilities and constituencies are managed effectively. The Assistant is responsible for facilitating rapid and appropriate information flow between the VP and a wide range of constituents, including the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, deans and other University administrators, donors, alumni, staff, faculty, corporate leaders, and the public.

These interactions necessitate a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in all aspects of work requirements.

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. Performs a broad range of administrative tasks of a highly confidential nature, requiring initiative, critical thinking, and good judgment to make independent decisions.
• Acts on behalf of, or in the absence of, the Vice President on administrative matters, and serves as a strategic partner and extension of Development leadership by providing high level support to the Vice President and the Senior Associate Vice President for Presidential/Principal Giving & Strategic Priorities.
• Functions as direct liaison between the VP and all internal and external constituencies, prioritizing the VPs time and attention. Provides advice on policies, procedures, as well as organization specific issues. Keeps VPs informed of pertinent information.
• Collaborates effectively with senior administrators, board members, donors, alumni, students, staff, faculty, and peers in the Vice Presidents’ offices to ensure seamless coordination, smooth operations, shared understanding, and successful outcomes.
• Supports and liaises on presidential development activity in collaboration with the Sr. Associate VP and internal partners, maintaining strong communication across relevant offices and ensuring alignment with institutional and divisional priorities.
• Assists the Vice President, the Senior Associate Vice President, and the Office of the President in coordinating and maintaining the President’s schedule as it relates to DAR; communicates with key DAR leaders who request the President’s time for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship purposes; and acts as the presidential liaison, on behalf of the VP and Sr. AVP, between DAR and the Office of the President on strategy and deployment of the President for regional fundraising visits, events, and travel.
• Supports the VP’s reporting strategy by proofreading final drafts and recommending edits, conceptualizing and designing critical reports in collaboration with the AVP of DAR Services; and conducting reporting assessments aligned with the VP’s annual goals to recommend new report designs that inform,…