Office Administrator & Executive Assistant to the Dean

Salary Range: $55,000 to $60,000 annually

Work Location: On-site Tampa Campus 

Organizational Summary

The University of South Florida College of Education serves a community of over 2,200 students and 130 faculty members dedicated to advancing high-quality education through excellence in research, teaching, and learning.

Accredited by multiple organizations (e.g., CAEP, APA, NAEYC, etc.) and fully approved by the Florida Department of Education, the college is a national leader in reimagining education by cultivating a bold community of researchers, educators, and practitioners who transform learning, strengthening communities, and expand human potential across the lifespan. The USF College of Education drives innovation and lasting impact, where discovery fuels practice, and emerging technologies and creative approaches—centered on human flourishing, individual wellbeing, and opportunity-- open new possibilities for learning. Rooted in dynamic partnerships and cross-disciplinary collaborations, we connect local expertise to national and global perspectives to address the most urgent educational needs and challenges of a rapidly changing world. 

As a major public research institution and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) ecosystem, USF prioritizes research excellence, student success, workforce development, and community impact. The Dean’s Office plays a central role in coordinating academic leadership, research development, external partnerships, alumni engagement, and strategic initiatives that advance these priorities.

Position Summary

This position entails providing comprehensive high-level administrative and operational support to the Dean, including managing complex schedules and overseeing strategic projects. The role functions as the primary liaison for both internal and external stakeholders, fostering positive relationships while exemplifying professionalism and diplomacy. The successful candidate will anticipate needs, proactively identify potential issues, and develop innovative solutions to enhance office efficiency and effectiveness.

The individual will also be responsible for redirecting requests appropriately to ensure matters are addressed at the correct organizational level, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills through proactive issue resolution. The individual must possess strong emotional intelligence and sound professional judgment to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, maintaining composure and professionalism under pressure. Boundary management is critical, requiring the ability to skillfully redirect communications and requests to protect the Dean’s focus on strategic priorities.

Exceptional interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach are essential for building and sustaining productive relationships across departments and stakeholder groups. A high level of discretion and confidentiality is mandatory when handling sensitive information related to personnel, strategic initiatives, and university operations. Ultimately, this role supports the Dean in navigating the dynamic environment of a research university with professionalism, strategic insight, and confidentiality, contributing to the overall success of the academic leadership team.

The Executive Assistant should also develop a thorough understanding of the interactions among academic departments, research centers, university administration, and external partners within a large public university setting.

Success in this role requires emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate competing demands from faculty, staff, students, external partners, and university leadership while maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring the Dean’s time is used effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Administrative Partnership

• Serves as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the Dean, helping manage priorities, identify potential conflicts, and ensure alignment with strategic initiatives.
• Provides consultative support by anticipating needs, identifying issues early, and proposing solutions rather than waiting for directions. Exercises initiative to resolve problems independently when appropriate.
• Develops an understanding of the College’s strategic priorities, major initiatives, and leadership structure to support effective decision-making and communication.

Calendar Strategy and Priority Management

• Maintains and manages the Dean’s calendar with a strategic understanding of priorities rather than purely logistical scheduling.
• Evaluates meeting requests and determines the appropriate level of engagement, including whether the Dean’s presence is required or whether the