Executive AssistantSeattle Pacific University is a Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.University Advancement supports the mission of SPU by fostering meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, donors, churches, foundations, and friends of the university. Through fundraising, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, and strategic partnerships, University Advancement helps secure the resources that support student success, academic excellence, and the long-term vitality of the university.Seattle Pacific University is seeking an experienced and highly professional Executive Assistant to provide executive administrative and operational support to the Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) and the Office of University Advancement.The Executive Assistant position supports Seattle Pacific University's mission by contributing to a Christ-centered learning and working community committed to academic excellence, service, and engagement with the world. In this role, the employee brings their skills, gifts, and professional expertise to work that matters—serving students, colleagues, and the broader University community in ways that reflect SPU's values and purpose.
To that end, all University employees are required to be aligned with and supportive of SPU's Statement of Faith and its derivative policies and lifestyle expectations.This role serves as a trusted partner to the Vice President and a key representative of the Advancement Office. The Executive Assistant supports executive-level operations, donor engagement activities, trustee committee coordination, event planning, budget administration, office management, and cross-campus collaboration.The ideal candidate is exceptionally organized, relationship-oriented, and able to manage competing priorities with discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail. This position regularly interacts with university leaders, trustees, donors, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community partners, requiring excellent communication skills and the ability to handle confidential information with sound judgment and integrity.This role offers a unique opportunity to support donor engagement, philanthropic partnerships, and university advancement initiatives while working closely with senior university leadership.This is an on-campus position based in Seattle, WA and is not eligible for remote work.What You'll DoProvide high-level executive administrative and operational support to the Vice President for University AdvancementManage complex calendars, scheduling, logistics, travel arrangements, and follow-up activitiesPrepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, meeting agendas, and correspondenceCoordinate communication and collaboration between Advancement leadership and campus partnersSupport Advancement leadership meetings, special projects, donor engagement efforts, and departmental initiativesAssist the Vice President in managing donor engagement activities and relationship trackingMaintain accurate records of donor interactions, meetings, communications, and follow-up actionsCoordinate donor engagement logistics and stewardship activities on behalf of the Vice PresidentMonitor donor follow-up commitments and help ensure timely completion of action itemsAssist in maintaining donor records and supporting donor moves-management processesHelp prepare donor briefing materials, visit summaries, engagement reports, and follow-up communicationsCollaborate with Development and Engagement teams to support donor relationship strategies and prioritiesCoordinate logistics, meeting materials, agendas, and communications for Advancement-related Board committees and trustee engagement activitiesPrepare reports, presentations, and supporting materials for Board and committee meetingsAttend assigned committee meetings, record minutes, track action items, and coordinate follow-up activitiesMaintain committee records, trustee engagement information, and governance-related documentationSupport communication and logistics for trustees participating in Advancement initiativesAssist with communications and presentations for donors, alumni, churches, faculty, staff, students, and community partnersServe as a primary point of contact for inquiries directed to the Advancement OfficeWelcome visitors and provide exceptional customer service to internal and external constituentsCoordinate communications and information sharing across Advancement teams and university leadershipRespond to inquiries with professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgmentCoordinate planning and logistics for donor events, stewardship activities, campaign initiatives, and Advancement-sponsored gatheringsSupport university events involving the Vice President and Advancement leadershipPartner with Facilities, Campus Dining, University Events, and other departments to support event executionCoordinate office hospitality, supplies, and event-related resourcesSupport donor relations activities in collaboration with Development, Alumni, and Engagement teamsHire, train, schedule, and supervise student employees supporting Advancement office operationsCoordinate administrative workflows and shared office processesAssist with onboarding and administrative support activities for Advancement staffHelp maintain a welcoming, organized, and professional office environmentOversee daily administrative operations for the Office of University AdvancementManage office supplies, equipment, vendor relationships, and facility-related needsSupport budget tracking, expense reconciliation, purchasing card administration, and payment processing through WorkdayCoordinate personnel action documents, leave reporting, onboarding activities, and administrative workflowsAssist with confidential projects and executive-level operational prioritiesWhat You BringBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experienceThree years of upper-level administrative, executive support, office management, or related experience (five or more years preferred)Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detailStrong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environmentDemonstrated ability to exercise exceptional discretion when handling confidential donor, personnel, financial, and governance-related informationProfessional judgment, diplomacy, and discretion when working with senior leaders and external constituentsStrong customer service and relationship-building skillsAbility to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environmentProficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and PowerPointAbility to work occasional evenings and flexible hours during special events and peak Advancement activitiesMission Alignment: A personal commitment to Christian faith; enthusiasm for supporting SPU's mission; alignment with the University's Statement of Faith; and willingness to uphold the lifestyle standards of our Christian communityPreferred QualificationsFive or more years of executive administrative support experienceExperience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, fundraising, donor relations, or advancement operationsExperience supporting senior executives, trustees, committees, or donor engagement activitiesExperience with Workday, CRM systems, event coordination, or advancement-related software platformsExperience coordinating budgets, purchasing, and administrative operationsCompensation & Position DetailsSalary: Starting at $69,000 annually, commensurate with experienceStatus: Full-time, exemptDepartment: University AdvancementReports To: Vice President for University AdvancementLocation: Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA (on-campus position)Benefits: SPU pays employee premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance; provides HSA/HRA contributions; contributes 7% to a retirement account with immediate vesting (as eligible); and offers a tuition discount program for employees and qualified dependents.