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Senior Administrative Assistant to the Head - School of Design

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 10 Feb 2026

About the role

Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Design is searching for a Senior Administrative Assistant to the Head to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by providing a wide variety of administrative support including scheduling meetings, facilitating events, providing communication on behalf of the school, and more.

Core responsibilities include:

Executive Strategy & Time Management

  • Strategically manage the Head of School’s complex calendar and high-volume scheduling—recognizing shifting time demands, organizational priorities, and understanding interpersonal dynamics.

  • Demonstrates extreme adaptability by quickly shifting gears to meet urgent, unanticipated requests of the Head of School and navigates a demanding environment subject to frequent changes.

  • Arranges national and international travel and accommodations for the Head of School, as well as invited speakers and visitors as needed.

  • Performs administrative tasks such as arranging meetings, developing agendas, ordering catering, and preparing minutes to ensure coordinated efforts.

  • Prepares personal expense reimbursement and procurement card reconciliation for Head of School.

Strategic Project Management

  • Assists in facilitation of events. This may include but is not limited to securing space, catering, technology, and equipment needs; communicating with various partners in regards to events.

  • Communicates and represents the School of Design through correspondence to key external stakeholders as requested by the Head of School. Plans, organizes and executes School of Design events for alumni.

Academic Leadership Support

  • Works with the School Review Committee in managing all aspects of faculty reviews; creates templates, compiles information, solicits evaluation letters, produces all required documentation for all Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure (RP&T) cases through the Interfolio system.

  • Manages faculty job postings in Interfolio including; text uploads, document organization, and application review criteria. Coordinates multi-stage interview process and search committee meetings.

Other

  • Serve as backup for answering School of Design phones, accepting deliveries, greeting guests, and other related office management duties as assigned.

  • Other duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

  • Planning and organization skills

  • Ability to manage time well while working on multiple concurrent tasks

Qualifications:

  • Education: Associate's degree preferred

  • Years of experience: 5-8 years of experience in administrative support role(s) preferred

  • A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

  • Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

  • Sponsorship : Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benef