The Executive Assistant (EA) will execute a variety of time-sensitive and complex responsibilities including routine interface with individuals and offices both on and off campus on administrative, substantive and confidential matters. Administrative responsibilities include the preparation of draft communications, daily correspondence, special messaging on the behalf of the Vice President for Finance and Administration (VFPA), strategically scheduling meetings, travel, proofreading documents, and conducting research for important projects. The Executive Assistant will have frequent reviews with the VPFA regarding priorities and appropriate action required to ensure all goals and support needs of the VPFA and F&A Division are met. The Executive Assistant is responsible for developing effective systems to manage the VPFA’s administrative needs. S/He will coordinate with other campus staff to assist or coordinate planning, preparation and timing of VPFA/VPFA Office assistance and engagement, helping to ensure the VPFA’s time is effectively prioritized to advance the priorities of the College. S/he must be able to communicate professionally and effectively on behalf of the VPFA and will manage relations with key constituents.
1. Office Support (60%)
- Direct and manage the daily operations, functions and responsibilities of the VPFA’s Office including confidential correspondence, event management, and planning,
- Proactively review and manage the calendar ensuring the practicality of the schedule for the VPFA, incorporating dedicated desk time and prioritizing meeting commitments based on regular conversations with the VPFA regarding priorities and respective timelines; ensure VPFA has materials for the meeting for advance preparation and to take to the meeting,
- Preparation of draft communications, daily correspondence, and other messaging on behalf of the VFPA; proofread documents and presentation materials; and make travel arrangements (VPFA travel is infrequent),
- Serves as a primary contact representing the Office of the VPFA to the Wheaton community and beyond,
- Ensure that the VPFA is aware of key community events and related VPFA commitments, and community gathering/celebratory opportunities across campus. Draft and/or finalize related communications,
- Maintain and ensure the confidential and accurate handling and filing/archiving of correspondence, contracts, evaluations, and other relevant records and files,
- Management of the budgetary process for the office and support the VPFA with oversight of the F&A Division budgets including routine review of budget reports, variances and related information,
- Works to provide logistical support for various committees, project teams and other group meetings/initiatives on behalf of the VPFA,
- Coordinates events for the VPFA’s office; provides hospitality to special guests, including arranging travel and accommodations for guests,
- Collaborate with other Executive Administrative Assistants on “best practices” to continually enhance administrative operations,
- Conducts Finance & Administration Division webpage content review and management,
- Support the management (hire, train, supervise, and evaluate) of student workers in the VPFA’s Office.
2. Board Meetings and Presentation Materials and Support (20%)
Work closely with the VPFA’s direct reports to support the VPFA and Finance and Administration leadership team in preparation for Board of Trustees (BOT or Board), campus shared governance committees, President’s Council, all staff, all faculty, and other meetings. This includes development of presentation materials (e.g., PowerPoint slides) and reports, and ensure proactive preparation for related events and meetings including room and audio-visual setups. Manage and maintain related archives and supporting data/information digital and hardcopy files.
- Support VPFA is fulfilling her/his responsibilities and preparation for all meetings, including Board of Trustees, campus committees, and other on- and off-campus meetings,
- Develop, proofread and/or edit the VPFA’s PowerPoint presentations, reports, committee materials, and other documents,
- Continuously explore opportunities and advance technical skills to help enhance the professionalization of all presentation materials/presentations,
- Support VPFA’s liaison duties for various Board Committees (i.e., Finance and Facilities Committee, Audit Committee, Investment Committee). Coordinate the development, compilation, proofreading, editing and finalizing all Board materials for the VPFA, in partnership with the Controller, Director of Budget and Financial Planning (DBFP), Assistant Vice President for Facilities and Business Services and others:
- Coordinate planning meetings for VPFA with Committee Chairs, Controller, DBFP and others as needed, including meeting logistics and communications with Committee Chairs/Members,
- Manage the process for ensuring all agreed upon materials are prepared on schedule with ample time for VPFA review and approval,
- Prepare BOT Committees agendas and corresponding list of materials to be developed and responsible person, deadlines, and deliverable details,
- Follow up with responsible persons as needed to ensure timely completion, o Ensure version control for all materials,
- Post materials to the BOT Portal.
3. Committees, Projects and Initiatives (10%)
- Coordinates between offices on projects of importance to the F&A Division/VPFA as requested by the VPFA,
- Coordinates, attends and participates and/or takes minutes in meetings as requested by the VPFA,
- Supports special projects for the VPFA, proactively researching and determining available resource requirements and utilizing appropriate technologies and methodologies to help support project completion.
4. Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role. (10%)