Executive Assistant
Inside Higher Ed, Columbus, GA, United States
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.
Job ID:
297508
Location:
Columbus State University
Full/Part Time:
Full Time
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
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. The position coordinates office activities across CSU Foundations, the Office of Development, Advancement Services, Accounting, and the Office of Alumni Engagement. It 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. The 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.
Responsibilities
Provide 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).
Serve as the primary liaison and coordinator for the CSU Foundation Board of Trustees, Foundation Properties, Inc., and various Foundation committees; plan, schedule, and manage meetings, and prepare and maintain official meeting minutes and related documentation (25 %).
Provide thorough, accurate, and timely responses to stakeholder requests for information, demonstrating exemplary customer service in all interactions (as needed).
Plan and execute meetings and events as requested, including scheduling and reserving appropriate meeting locations, sending meeting notices or invitations, calling or e‑mailing reminders, maintaining RSVPs, coordinating event management, taking minutes as needed, and acting as University liaison for fundraising events (as needed).
Collaborate effectively with the Office of the President and other University departments to support institutional priorities and initiatives (as needed).
Develop and implement efficient systems utilizing information technology to track, manage, and streamline processes within University Advancement (as needed).
Collaborate with and support the Foundation and the Office of Alumni Engagement in planning and executing special events and related initiatives (as needed).
Provide 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 %).
Manage and supervise student assistant workers, including training, scheduling, and oversight of assigned duties (as needed).
Required Qualifications
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
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
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.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Margaret McCauley, Hiring Manager, via email at mccauley_margaret@columbusstate.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of its 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. The USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment, and the overall campus community.
Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well‑being, innovation, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship.
Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Conditions of Employment
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties.
A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
Pre‑employment drug testing for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.
Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment and randomly thereafter.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. The policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position does have financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P‑Card).
Background Check
Position of Trust + Education & Credit
Special Applicant Instructions
Visit Columbus State University’s online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=30000&JobOpeningId=297508&PostingSeq=1
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
Job ID:
297508
Location:
Columbus State University
Full/Part Time:
Full Time
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
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. The position coordinates office activities across CSU Foundations, the Office of Development, Advancement Services, Accounting, and the Office of Alumni Engagement. It 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. The 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.
Responsibilities
Provide 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).
Serve as the primary liaison and coordinator for the CSU Foundation Board of Trustees, Foundation Properties, Inc., and various Foundation committees; plan, schedule, and manage meetings, and prepare and maintain official meeting minutes and related documentation (25 %).
Provide thorough, accurate, and timely responses to stakeholder requests for information, demonstrating exemplary customer service in all interactions (as needed).
Plan and execute meetings and events as requested, including scheduling and reserving appropriate meeting locations, sending meeting notices or invitations, calling or e‑mailing reminders, maintaining RSVPs, coordinating event management, taking minutes as needed, and acting as University liaison for fundraising events (as needed).
Collaborate effectively with the Office of the President and other University departments to support institutional priorities and initiatives (as needed).
Develop and implement efficient systems utilizing information technology to track, manage, and streamline processes within University Advancement (as needed).
Collaborate with and support the Foundation and the Office of Alumni Engagement in planning and executing special events and related initiatives (as needed).
Provide 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 %).
Manage and supervise student assistant workers, including training, scheduling, and oversight of assigned duties (as needed).
Required Qualifications
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
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
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.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Margaret McCauley, Hiring Manager, via email at mccauley_margaret@columbusstate.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of its 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. The USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Excellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment, and the overall campus community.
Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well‑being, innovation, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship.
Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Conditions of Employment
Requirements
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties.
A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
Pre‑employment drug testing for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.
Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment and randomly thereafter.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. The policy is to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position does have financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P‑Card).
Background Check
Position of Trust + Education & Credit
Special Applicant Instructions
Visit Columbus State University’s online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.
To apply, visit https://careers.hprod.onehcm.usg.edu/psp/careers/CAREERS/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=30000&JobOpeningId=297508&PostingSeq=1
#J-18808-Ljbffr