Executive Assistant – Chief Advancement Officer

University of Pennsylvania

. 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 exceptional organizational and time-management skills while providing high-level executive support, managing complex scheduling, and facilitating effective communication across various stakeholders. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and capable of handling sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Executive SupportComplex Scheduling ManagementInterpersonal SkillsMicrosoft Office ProficiencyConfidential Information Handling

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Calendar ManagementTravel ArrangementsProject CoordinationDetail-Oriented SupportAdministrative Systems Proficiency

Soft Skills

ProfessionalismJudgmentDiscretionInitiativeAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OutlookMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPoint

Industry Keywords

Higher Education ExperienceFundraisingAlumni RelationsAdvancementStakeholder Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide high-level executive and administrative support to the Chief Advancement Officer
Manage the CAO’s priorities, activities, and day-to-day operations
Manage a complex and frequently changing calendar
Coordinate meetings and executive 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 liaison to senior faculty and administrators, alumni, donors, and other prominent stakeholders
Handle inquiries, requests, and sensitive or confidential matters with judgment and discretion
Navigate scheduling challenges and competing priorities with tact
Support a culture of service, collaboration, and excellence within Wharton External Affairs
Work across the organization to support the CAO’s priorities and broader External Affairs goals
Occasionally support events, programs, and other activities outside regular business hours

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
Professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and integrity when handling sensitive and confidential information
Ability to provide responsive, accurate, and 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 multiple 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 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, including at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options
Substantial time away from work for vacations, personal affairs, illness, injury, and family time
Long-term care insurance for eligible employees and family members
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 on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia
Adoption assistance for qualified expenses, up to two adoptions per household