Executive Assistant to the Vice President of People, Equity and Culture

The Executive Assistant provides comprehensive administrative and confidential support to the Vice President for People, Equity, & Culture, acting as a key partner in managing the division's operational activities and strategic initiatives. This role proactively manages and prioritizes all functions related to the professional responsibilities of the Vice President, coordination of incoming and outgoing communications, scheduling/calendar management, conflict triaging, referral and resolution, and assisting with special projects. This role requires a proactive and highly organized individual with exceptional communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. This position serves as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and efficient workflow within the division. This role demands the utmost confidentiality, discretion, and judgment, along with a strong commitment to service, professionalism, and integrity, with a deep understanding and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Primary Duties

1.    Provides comprehensive and confidential support to the Vice President for People, Equity, & Culture, working independently and proactively on administrative assignments and projects that require analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, often under deadline pressure.
2.    Supports the Vice President in project management and execution, ensuring timely completion of key initiatives and deliverables related to people, equity, and culture.
3.    Collaborates with the Vice President and divisional leadership on the development and implementation of division and team strategies.
4.    Manages and maintains the Vice President's calendar, including scheduling executive-level meetings, large group meetings, and routine committee and individual meetings; coordinates support services associated with meetings, conferences, travel, and other related activities.
5.    Answers the VP's direct phone line, responds to emails sent to the Vice President's office account, and uses discretion and conflict resolution skills to triage all calls, requests, and complaints, resolving issues as efficiently as possible.
6.    Acts as a liaison between the Vice President and various on-campus and off-campus constituents. Serves as a primary point of contact to represent both the organization and the Vice President in a positive and professional manner. Corresponds on behalf of the Vice President as requested.
7.    Works collaboratively with all members of the People, Equity, and Culture Division and coordinates the completion of tasks with other team members.
8.    Creates, processes, and maintains confidential materials for executive-level meetings, including materials for the Board of Trustees and other relevant committees. Prepares the Vice President for active participation in regular and ad-hoc meetings of the Senior Leadership Team.
9.    Schedules, prepares for, and attends regular and ad-hoc meetings as directed by the Vice President. Drafts agendas in advance and takes and distributes minutes.
10.    Manages expense and mileage reporting, reviews/prepares documents of varying types for the Vice President's signature/approval and supports the timely completion of regular HR processes by the Vice President.
11.    Maintains essential documents related to People, Equity, and Culture division as a whole. Contributes to the regular review and updating of policies and procedures related to people, equity, and culture.
12.    Assists the Vice President in establishing and maintaining successful relationships with key stakeholders across the university and community, including faculty, staff, and students.
13.    Supports the Vice President in fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus climate through various initiatives and programs.
14.    Plans, coordinates, and carries out special projects as directed by the Vice President. Monitors progress on various initiatives.
15.    Contributes positively to the culture of the division, demonstrating a commitment to continued growth within each of Grand Valley's core competencies for employees.  
16.    Works collaboratively with all members of the Vice President’s Office and coordinates the completion of tasks with the Executive Associate. 
17.    Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•    High school graduate or equivalent.
•    Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience.
•    Demonstrated administrative, organizational, and project management skills.
•    Experience with various computer software applications such as Microsoft Office and/or equivalent. 
•    Data entry experience.
•    Typing and spelling competency with grammar and proofreading skills. 
•    Possess stron