The Yavapai College Foundation seeks an experienced and highly organized Strategic Support Specialist to provide senior-level administrative support to the Chief Development Officer (CDO). This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional with exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, who operates with integrity, discretion, and a strong commitment to service.
As a key member of the Foundation team, the Strategic Support Specialist plays an essential role in advancing a values-driven culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered stewardship. This individual will support the smooth operation of daily activities while fostering positive, respectful relationships with donors, partners, staff, and stakeholders. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, a high level of professionalism, and a dedication to aligning daily work with the Foundation’s mission and core values.
Mission: In partnership with Yavapai College and our community, the Foundation harnesses private generosity to empower students and advance innovation that drives educational access, workforce readiness and long-term economic vitality. Key Responsibilities:- Executive Support: Provide high-level administrative support to the Chief Development Officer (CDO), including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and preparing materials for presentations and events.
- Communication & Correspondence: Serve as the primary point of contact for the CDO, handling all incoming communications, emails, phone calls, and ensuring timely responses to internal and external stakeholders. Draft, proofread, and manage correspondence on behalf of the CDO, ensuring consistent and professional communication.
- Expense Management: Process meeting and other development expenses in compliance with organizational policies.
- Board & Committee Coordination: Manage board communications and related events. Assist in the preparation of board meeting agendas, minutes, and reports. Coordinate logistics for board and committee meetings, including scheduling, venue setup, materials, and follow-up actions.
- Confidentiality & Discretion: Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost integrity and discretion, respecting the privacy of donors, board members, and organizational matters.
- Project Management: Assist in the execution of special projects and initiatives, providing administrative support and tracking progress.
- Donor Database Expert: Support the CDO in tracking records of donor interactions, follow-ups, and engagement and within Raiser’s Edge. Utilize Raiser’s Edge to measure progress against goals for the development team.
- Document Preparation & Organization: Prepare reports, proposals, presentations, and other documents as requested. Maintain well-organized files and records for easy retrieval.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior-level administrative support role.
- Skills:
- Strong organizational abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Knowledge of donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs.
- Professional demeanor and the ability to interact with a diverse group of people including donors, board members, and staff.
- A passion for the college’s mission and a commitment to advancing its work.
- This position requires occasional evening or weekend work for events or meetings.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and competencies listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
