Executive Assistant – Chief Advancement Officer

The Wharton School

. 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

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in executive support, including managing complex calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and facilitating communication among stakeholders. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and adept at handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Executive Support ExperienceCalendar ManagementMicrosoft Office ProficiencyInterpersonal SkillsConfidential Information Handling

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Calendar ManagementTravel CoordinationProject CoordinationAdministrative Systems ProficiencyDetail-Oriented Support

Soft Skills

ProfessionalismJudgmentDiscretionRelationship ManagementAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OutlookMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationFundraisingAdvancementAlumni RelationsExecutive Scheduling

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 and support day-to-day operations
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 effective flow of information and activities
Serve as a key liaison to senior faculty, administrators, alumni, donors, and other internal and external stakeholders
Manage inquiries, requests, and sensitive or confidential matters with judgment and discretion
Navigate scheduling challenges and 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, is required
At least 7 years of related experience is strongly preferred
Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and integrity
Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information
Highly motivated, committed to excellence, and able to provide responsive, accurate, detail-oriented support 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 and resolve scheduling conflicts
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to quickly learn and effectively 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 is strongly preferred
Experience in a higher education environment is preferred
Experience in fundraising, advancement, or alumni relations is 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, including at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work
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, museums, and cultural and recreational activities
Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, vehicles, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options and hours
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions in the household