Executive Assistant to the President

Executive Assistant To The President

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL and home of the Bearcats, invites qualified applicants to join our team. McKendree University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to influence the future leaders of tomorrow.

The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. To achieve this end we encourage broader vision, enriched purpose, engagement with community, commitment to responsible citizenship, openness to new ideas and dedication to lifelong learning. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curriculum joined with specialization in a specific discipline.

Position Summary And Key Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the President, the Executive Assistant to the President serves the university community by working closely with the President's Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and university administrators. Duties include event planning; managing department budgets, reports, correspondence, and preparation of minutes; planning, coordinating, and attending meetings of the Board of Trustees and Board committees. The position is one of high-level trust that requires integrity and confidentiality. This is a role for an experienced individual with a wide range of skills and responsibilities.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Executive Administrative Support
• Advises the President of daily events and manages the President's calendar; coordinates the President's daily appointment schedule and travel itinerary.
• Prepares reports, correspondence, and minutes for internal and external use.
• Ensures President has everything needed to perform during the day's events.
• Maintains files for the President and Board of Trustees.
• Office Management
• Manages the President's Office budget; orders and maintains office supplies inventory.
• Opens, prioritizes, and distributes incoming mail; answers and screens telephone calls.
• Hires, trains and supervises student assistants, as needed.
• Strategic Coordination
• Works closely and cooperatively with the President's Cabinet, Board of Trustees, University administrators, staff, faculty, and students.
• Plans and coordinates meetings of the President's Cabinet.
• Plans, coordinates, and attends meetings of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of the Board, as needed.
• Public Relations & President's Office Representation
• Represents the University and the President at various on- and off-campus events while maintaining a positive image for the President's Office.
• Coordinates needed responses to donors and community requests.
• Communication and Information Management
• Receives, reviews, and disseminates confidential information for the President and the Board of Trustees.
• Prepares and distributes reports and minutes from the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee meetings.
• Communicates professionally with internal and external constituencies on behalf of the President's Office.
• Project & Event Coordination
• Lead or coordinate special projects, campaigns, and initiatives aligned with institutional priorities and the President's involvement.
• Coordinates and participates in commencement activities for the President's Office and the Board of Trustees.
• Oversees all event planning for the President's Office.
• Engages with the spouse of the President to ensure awareness of planning and event schedule and engagement opportunities.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field desired or equivalent experience.
• Five years of progressive experience in higher education administration or corporate sector working with executive-level administrators.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience in the development and maintenance of manual and computer-based systems.
• Advanced skills in office management.
• Proficient in database and administrative support skills in all domains, with particular emphasis in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and relevant technology.
• Ability to use initiative and judgment to make decisions.
• Possesses the ability to multi-task and work in a team setting.
• Possesses excellent spelling, grammar, and proofreading skills.
• Performs duties in a manner that strengthens the coordination and cooperation of all organizational components of the university.
• Possesses strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
• An understanding of, and commitment to, quality private higher education.

Work Conditions

Office environment; typically, 40 hours per week; normally 8:00am-5:00pm; periodic weekend work is required.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter Resume

Benefits

McKendree offers a competitive benefits package to our full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, 403(b) deferred compensation retirement plans with matching contributions, and flexible spending accounts. Life insurance, and 11 paid holidays. Full-time faculty and staff also enjoy: FREE tuition upon hire! Spouses and dependents under the age of 26 are also eligible for free undergraduate level courses. Complimentary or discounted tickets to our premier performing arts venue, presenting world class dance, drama, classical music and jazz. Complimentary tickets for Athletic events. Free birthday meal at 1828 Cafe. Discounts at the McKendree University Bookstore and so much more. To learn more details, review our Benefits Guide (Download PDF reader).

Equal Opportunity Employer

McKendree University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.