Executive Staff Assistant to the President

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Staff Assistant to the President provides high-level support to the University President, serving as a central point of contact for communication and coordination across the University, including with the Board of Trustees, the UConn Foundation, faculty, staff, and external partners. This role is responsible for managing the President’s schedule, organizing and preparing materials for meetings, coordinating complex travel logistics, and assisting with special events. The position requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments to ensure the President's initiatives and engagements are executed smoothly and professionally.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as the liaison between the President and other University administrators, members of the Board of Trustees, the UConn Foundation, public and private officials, various boards, faculty, staff, students, and others served by the University.
2. Coordinate a wide range of administrative functions for the President. Ensures all meeting materials, including presentations, talking points, and briefing materials are accurate, arrive in a timely manner, and organized for President. 
3. Maintain the President’s speaking schedule and ensure speech writer is updated with dates and content. 
4. Assist in the coordination of special events hosted by the President or the University by independently exercising discretion, using sound judgment based upon the President’s preferences, and working with key internal and external units.
5. Coordinate complex and detailed travel arrangements for the President for high profile events (Athletic Board meetings; Donor events; Foundation events, etc.). Travel planning includes arranging transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, social activities, and developing comprehensive itineraries, background and support materials, and agendas.
6. Provide administrative oversight for high-profile recruitment efforts on behalf of the President. This includes managing meeting logistics, such as agendas, candidate travel, room arrangements, audio/visual setup, and catering. Maintains confidentiality of all candidate information.
7. Oversee the President’s personal expenses and handle payments for all related events, such as entertainment and dinners. Ensures all decisions align with the University’s, State’s, and Federal guidelines and promote cost-effective practices.
8. Work closely with the Board of Trustees Secretary and other Administrative Support Staff to ensure smooth coordination of President’s schedule and functions.
9. Work closely with UConn Foundation to ensure smooth coordination of the President’s engagement with donors and/or speaking events.
10. Work closely with Government Relations to ensure coordination of President’s engagement with elected and government officials and/or speaking events.
11. Troubleshoot on routine issues that come into the President’s office, directing them to the appropriate person/department for response and updating the President and/or chief of staff on resolution when/if necessary.
12. Prepare letters ongoing for the President’s signature (i.e., donors, general counsel, Foundation, Chief Financial Officer, Provost office, etc.).    
13. Keep abreast of the Driver’s weekly/monthly schedule. Review the day-to-day schedule anticipating last minute changes or travel challenges.    
14. Manage the distribution of tickets to athletic and/or University events to the President, the President’s family and/or any donors invited to attend. Manage the tax and compliance reporting per year for the ticket distribution. 
15. Coordinate special projects, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of experience supporting a high-level, senior executive within a complex organization or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience. 
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with demonstrated ability to interact effectively and professionally with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, board members, and external officials.
• Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Work, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with demonstrated ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and exercise sound judgment.
• Highly motivated, and adaptable to changing priorities.