Columbia University

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $80,000- $100,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Development of the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, the Associate Director of Development Communications will join the Zuckerman Institute at an extraordinary moment as it begins its second decade. A world-class neuroscience institute, the Zuckerman Institute brings together more than 850 researchers to study the mind and brain in ways that will lead to transformative discoveries.

The Associate Director will lead the development communications strategy for the development team, crafting compelling narratives, unique cases for support, and translating the exciting scientific theories and discoveries from the Zuckerman Institute for a general audience with a goal of furthering the Zuckerman Institute’s fundraising initiatives.

This role will manage the team’s broad-based solicitation strategy, develop targeted proposals and collateral, and create engaging reports and stewardship for the Zuckerman Institute’s most impactful donors.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Together with the Director of Development, serves as a strategic leader for all development communications for the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute.
• Leads and oversees a broad-based solicitation strategy, including planning, creation, execution, and evaluation, that includes e-solicitations and direct mail, as well as coordinating the Zuckerman Institute’s participation on Columbia’s annual Giving Day.
• Manages and optimizes the team’s suite of communications software. This will include close collaboration with other internal teams, external vendors, and overseeing a dedicated budget to ensure effective and impactful development communications.
• Leads the creation of new collateral, partnering with Zuckerman Institute’s Communications team, senior Institute leadership, Zuckerman Institute Principal Investigators, and development colleagues, students and donors to source, produce, edit and repurpose content that supports development activities.
• Researches, identifies, creates, and submits grant proposals, effectively articulating the Zuckerman Institute’s mission, programs, and funding needs with a compelling narrative to secure funding from foundations and other grant-making organizations.
• Develops and coordinates tailored funding proposals and cases for support for key initiatives, including sourcing and synthesizing content, writing, editing, and coordinating inputs and feedback from project stakeholders.
• Partners with the Associate Director of Strategic Development Outreach and Programs to create innovative donor recognition and stewardship messaging that nurtures long-term donor relationships, ensuring consistent and impactful communication that highlights the tangible benefits that their support has had on the Zuckerman Institute.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent, including a minimum of four (4) years of experience in marketing, grant writing, project management, public relations, fundraising, donor relations, or related field required. Must possess exceptional written communication skills with the ability to develop engaging narratives about complex subject matter for different target audiences.

Demonstrated ability to work in a high pressure, fast-paced environment. Demonstrated excellence in a variety of competencies including: project management, teamwork, analytical thinking and client/customer awareness. Must possess the ability to work with changing priorities and multiple projects. Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including a high level of attention to detail and active listening skills. Must be able to problem-solve and troubleshoot, in addition to the ability to work independently in a dynamic team environment. Demonstrated ability to effectively partner with a diverse group of administrators and academic leaders. Must be able to negotiate issues, resolve problems and have strong influencing skills.

The successful candidate must be a strategic thinker, effective in moving strategic agendas, politically savvy, ensure the utmost discretion in all matters, as well as possess an ability to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature, have a sound judgment with a collaborative style that fosters teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization. Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this role will have a background in writing for scientific disciplines.

Other Requirements

Subject to business needs, the Office of Alumni and Development supports a hybrid work arrangement for this position. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Must be able to work nights and weekends as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.