Development Assistant

Job Title

Development Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering

Department

Epo Asst. Dean For Finance

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Development Assistant is an integral member of the development team and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a specified department/unit providing expert secretarial, clerical, and administrative duties in support of the development team. The Development Assistant interfaces with many Foundation, Texas A&M, and other professional personnel and requires an in-depth knowledge of Foundation and college policies, procedures, practices, and structure. This position reports to the Associate Dean for Finance.

Responsibilities:

• Actively communicate and maintain working relationships with internal and external professionals (University leaders, faculty, donors, corporate partners, and prospects) to plan, schedule, organize, and execute support for department activities.
• Serve as the first line of communication for the department/unit projecting a professional image with a customer-service, donor-centric mindset when interfacing with external guests and internal team members of the College of Engineering and the Texas A&M Foundation.
• Develop work standards and procedures ensuring productive and efficient office performance.
• Maintain continuity of the department by managing the day-to-day operations and resolving matters through collaboration and independent judgment.
• Answer incoming calls and assist or refer calls as necessary.
• Assist, prepare and distribute complex, technical, and confidential reports, presentations and other correspondence and materials.
• Maintain confidential computer information, hard copy files, and historical records for fast and accurate information retrieval using a variety of software and web-based applications.
• Assist team members in coordinating and scheduling appointments, help to maintain calendar and coordinate travel arrangements and accommodations.
• Conduct research to assist in the identification of prospects through various rating and screening processes.
• Cross-train with other Development Assistants to provide administrative support and to stay current on technology.
• Assist development officers in coordinating and scheduling appointments.
• Assist with stewardship activities and special events, collaborating with the Donor Engagement team as appropriate.
• Assist with department/unit marketing, communications, publicity, and branding collaborating with the Marketing & Communications team as appropriate.
• Assist with administrative functions and serve as liaison with department/unit specific advisory boards, giving societies, or other volunteer development focused groups designed to impact and increase giving.
• Be fully trained in the Foundation’s fundraising software, currently Blackbaud, in order to assist the department development officers with prospect and proposal reporting, research and gift agreements.
• Coordinate and maintain all productivity for the office on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.
• Provide professional representation for the office, exercising judgment and discretion regarding confidential issues and materials in responding to mail, telephone, electronic, and in-person inquiries, addressing issues independently or making referrals, as appropriate.
• Provide ancillary support to other Administrative professionals in the office as necessary.
• Contribute to team effectiveness through knowledge-sharing and proactively identifying process improvements.
• Participate in the establishment of personal and departmental goals and objectives in support of the mission and goals of the Foundation.
• Perform special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Experience:

• Three years of related experience.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in advanced administrative position requiring interaction with the public and adherence to project deadlines.
• Experience in non-profit or fundraising field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in using Microsoft applications (Access, Excel, Word and Outlook) and Internet navigation tools and web-based applications.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including ability to translate data in a concise and meaningful way.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously and to work calmly under pressure of goals and deadlines.
• Strong commitment to the mission and vision of Texas A&M Foundation with the ability and desire to serve as a compelling ambassador for the organization and Texas A&M University.
• Proficiency in using desktop publishing and presentation software.
• Familiarity with Advance donor database software platform.

Key Competencies:

The following critical competencies are essential for organizational and position success:

• Collaboration - Ability to work cooperatively with others both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Service Mindset and Donor Centric Approach - Centralizes all efforts and tasks around meeting the needs of donors to support the Foundation and the College of Engineering.
• Manages Execution - Consistently maintains a high level of action and results while working with effectiveness and determination.
• Accountability - Takes responsibility for work activities, personal actions and self-development.
• Adaptability/ Innovation - Applies original thinking in approaching job responsibilities, overcoming challenges and adjusting to changes in one’s environment.
• Effective Communication - Ability to listen and effectively relay information to others in all forms of communication.
• Critical Thinking - Ability to obtain, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information effectively.
• Organizational Acumen - The ability to understand and navigate governance, administration, and culture in the internal and external environment demonstrating commitment to organizational mission.
• Interpersonal Awareness – The ability to notice, interpret, and anticipate others' concerns and feelings, and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.
• Forward Thinking – The ability to anticipate the implications and consequences of situations and take appropriate action to be prepared for possible contingencies.
• Prioritization - Ability to handle multiple responsibilities, determine priorities and track details in a fast-paced environment
• Public Ambassador – Ability to professionally represent the Foundation and the College of Engineering to its various audiences: donors, prospects, coworkers, faculty, and University leadership

Other Requirements:

• Occasional evening, weekend and holiday work is required.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.