June 27, 2008
Special Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor Degree required. Master’s degree preferred, ideally in higher education administration. At least five years of supervisory administrative experience required; demonstrated effectiveness as manager or executive assistant preferred. Excellent interpersonal, research, written and oral communication skills. Initiative. Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies. Must be able to function independently and use appropriate judgment, tact and discretion to deal with all persons with whom the Vice President has business. Skill in organizing and prioritizing multiple tasks required for own work and work of others. Knowledge of academic and unionized environments an asset.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Special Assistant reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and is responsible for performing a variety of professional and distinctive functions to assist the Vice President with academic initiatives and programs. Provides coordination for a variety of complex projects and assignments and confidential, high-level administrative and research-related support to the Vice President. Works collaboratively throughout the college to ensure successful outcomes for the Vice President.
Under the Vice President’s leadership, must be able to:

• exercise independent judgment and discretion in managing and monitoring extensive confidential activities pertaining to Academic Affairs and all information coming into and out of the office;
• establish procedures as needed and apply these to effect the proper administration of the office;
• interact professionally with college officers, faculty, staff, students, the community, and parents;
• confer with vice presidents, assistant vice presidents, deans, department heads or others on matters of importance at the direction or in the absence of the VP;
• carry out special projects as assigned;
• proactively identify what needs to be done to help achieve the VP’s objectives;
• develop action plan to ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner; and
• follow up with others on assigned projects;
• perform research as needed by collecting and analyzing information;
• gather confidential information with discretion and compose sensitive correspondence;
• analyze incoming correspondence for questions requiring decision, approval, and action and provide needed background information to the VP;
• compose initial drafts for letters, memos, reports, speeches, and meeting presentation materials for the VP;
• develop meeting agendas and organize relevant background materials for the VP’s review;
• attend meetings with the VP and take, transcribe, and distribute minutes;
• effectively use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs within Microsoft Office.