Executive Assistant – Chief Advancement Officer

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Provide high-level executive and administrative support to the Chief Advancement Officer .

Posted 10/16/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesLead💰 $65,628 - $80,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills while providing high-level executive support. Proficient in managing complex schedules, handling confidential information, and coordinating logistics in a fast-paced environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Executive Support ExperienceCalendar ManagementInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsTechnology Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Calendar ManagementProject CoordinationLogistics ManagementDetail-Oriented SupportConfidential Information Handling

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsDiplomatic SkillsRelationship ManagementAdaptabilityInitiative

Tools & Technologies

OutlookWordExcelPowerPointAdministrative Systems

Industry Keywords

Higher Education ExperienceFundraisingAlumni RelationsAdvancementConfidential Matters

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide high-level executive and administrative support to the Chief Advancement Officer
Manage the CAO’s priorities and activities
Manage a complex and frequently changing calendar
Coordinate meetings and engagements
Oversee extensive domestic and international travel arrangements
Anticipate needs and prioritize competing demands
Facilitate the flow of information and activities
Serve as a liaison to senior faculty, administrators, alumni, donors, and other internal and external stakeholders
Manage inquiries, requests, and sensitive or confidential matters
Navigate scheduling challenges and resolve administrative issues
Contribute to service, collaboration, and excellence within Wharton External Affairs
Support events, programs, and other activities outside regular business hours when needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required
At least 7 years of related experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and integrity
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information trustworthily
Strong work ethic and detail-oriented support skills in a fast-paced environment
Exceptional interpersonal, diplomatic, and relationship-management skills
Excellent organizational and time-management skills
Ability to anticipate needs, exercise initiative, manage changing priorities, and coordinate projects and deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage complex executive scheduling and logistics
Strong technology skills, including proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to learn and use administrative systems and technologies
Ability to work independently and collaboratively and remain adaptable in a changing environment
Experience supporting executives or senior administrators in a complex organization strongly preferred
Higher education experience preferred
Fundraising, advancement, or alumni relations experience highly desirable
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work for vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, and family time
Long-term care insurance
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options involving non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household