LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY

Position Description & Qualifications

REPORTS TO: President

LOCATION: President’s Office, Wilson House

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Temporary Executive Assistant to the President provides essential administrative services to the day-to-day operations of the President’s Office. This individual provides high-level support to the University’s President, Board of Trustees, and other special committees and task forces as determined by the President. This position also supports the activities of the Office of the President in maintaining effective relations with colleagues, students, alumni, trustees, and other constituencies. We are looking to fill this role for the months of June through November.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Represents the President’s office to, and interacts with, senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees, as well as with members of the community, outside organizations, and guests of the University.
2. Manages the day-to-day administrative affairs of the President. Schedules appointments and other commitments for the President. Provides the President with background information and/or supporting documents in preparation for meetings, speaking engagements, conferences, and other scheduled appointments.
3. Researches, prioritizes, and follows up on behalf of the President on incoming calls, and as needed on projects or issues including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determines appropriate course of action or response with the President.
4. Prepares, reviews, proofreads, and formats correspondence prepared for the President’s signature to ensure accuracy and completeness as well as consistency with organizational policy/practice.
5. Prepares agendas for weekly cabinet meetings.
6. Records minutes and notes for multiple university meetings.
7. Makes and reviews travel arrangements for the President; prepares the itinerary and confirms lodging and transportation.
8. Organizes programs, events, meetings, and conferences of the President’s Office by arranging facilities and caterers, issuing information or invitations.
9. Manages and tracks the expenses and budget for the President’s office. Enters budget data and runs appropriate reports.
10. Annually prepares the trustee directory.
11. Responds to and handles confidential and sensitive information with poise, tact, and diplomacy.
12. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Bachelor’s degree required.
2. At least five years of experience supporting executive or senior level management.
3. Strong organizational skills with evidence of attention to detail and accuracy.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal, verbal, and written skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to coordinate a high volume of diverse assignments while effectively managing multiple projects.
6. The ability to build relationships with colleagues, students, alumni, trustees, and other constituencies.
7. High level of adaptability and flexibility.
8. Resourcefulness with the ability to be effective independently.
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint with the ability to learn the university’s database or other software as needed.