Executive Assistant to the Provost

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Provost/Dean of Faculty

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Academic Operations and Special Advisor to the Provost, the Executive Assistant to the Provost will be responsible for providing a wide range of highly-skilled administrative and executive-level assistance to the Provost and to her office. This person will anticipate the daily needs of the provost; manage the provost’s calendar, materials and correspondence; take initiative; exercise good judgment; maintain confidentiality; and function as an administrative generalist who also supports scheduling for the Associate Provost and Associate Dean of Faculty.

 
Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Executive Support to the Provost (45%)

• Anticipate and provide for the immediate and long-term administrative needs of the provost, including daily briefings
• Provide problem-solving and triage for incoming requests and issues to minimize demands on the provost’s time
• Develop new systems, policies and procedures to improve efficiency and performance
• Manage the provost’s expenses
• Manage the provost’s travel, including booking and itineraries
• Assist with special projects, e.g., conferences, searches, special events

Calendar Management for the Provost (30%)

• Manage an extremely active calendar of appointments and schedule meetings
• Coordinate meeting preparations, e.g., prepare daily briefings, invite and communicate with invitees, set up Zoom meetings and coordinate equipment set up for Zoom (tv screens, monitors, cameras, mics), reserve space, order catering, and load presentation materials
• Serve as a “gatekeeper” for the provost’s schedule by triaging incoming requests for the provosts time
• Use good judgment to ensure the provost’s time is scheduled according to agreed-upon priorities and protocols

Calendar Support for the Associate Provost and Associate Dean of Faculty (20%)

• Schedule routine meetings, including direct reports and committee meetings
• Reserve space and order catering for select meetings

Other Functions

Office Support and Other duties as assigned (5%)

• Monitor voicemail and email, answer phones
• Order routine office supplies, including arranging for equipment maintenance (eg. copier/printer)

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of administrative support experience, preferably at the executive level
• Proficient in Zoom, Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Skills

• Superior organizational skills that reflect an ability to work independently and to follow through on assignments
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with collaborators across campus
• Expert level written and verbal communication skills and knowledge of business correspondence etiquette
• Strong decision-making capability and good judgment
• Highly resourceful team player
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and manage multiple tasks under competing deadlines and shifting priorities
• Ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Professionalism and discretion in handling confidential matters
• Forward looking thinker and problem-solver
• Eager to learn and implement new technologies and software

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

November 11, 2024

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country an