Senior Associate to the Executive, Office of the Provost

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedSenior Associate to the Executive, Office of the Provostat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

The Senior Associate to the Executive oversees day-to-day operations and workflow across the Office of the Provost, in support of the Division of Academic Affairs. Coordinates and ensures responsiveness across the Office of the Provost, with the schools/colleges, and academic support units. Serves as a confidential assistant to the Provost and works with colleagues on direct day-to-day administrative support for the Provost, serves as an initial contact point for the Provost, and acts as a liaison with Vice Provosts, Deans, AVPs, schools/colleges and departments. Staffs the Provost at meetings and events, as required. Reports to Assistant Vice President for Strategic Operations and Academic Communications.

Oversees day-to-day operations and workflow across the Office of the Provost, in support of the Division of Academic Affairs. Works closely with Vice Provosts, Deans, and AVPs to help achieve key deliverables and objectives of the Division of Academic Affairs. Creates and cultivates high performance and a collaborative and effective work environment. Oversees recruitment initiatives and staff hiring process. Monitors expenditures. Serves as a confidential assistant to the Provost.

Plans and executes projects, monitors and implements initiatives across the Office of the Provost, including, but not limited to retreats, strategic planning, Dean searches, and leadership meetings.

Monitors performance metrics and measures outcomes.

Acts as a liaison with internal and external constituents. Interfaces with schools/colleges, academic support units, and academic governance on an ongoing basis to represent and advance Division of Academic Affairs goals. Briefs the Provost in advance of meetings and events, as necessary.

Ensures responsiveness to Board of Governors, President, and other senior university officials.

Manages administrative operations including, but not limited to:

• Coordinating with shared President/Provost receptionist and Office of the Provost support staff to ensure a high-level of customer service to faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.

• Identifies and resolves operational matters to improve efficiencies.

• Supports and ensures departmental compliance with university policies and procedures.

Collaborates with the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Operations and Academic Communications in developing, planning, and implementing change management efforts to ensure the highest level of coordination and collaboration across the Division of Academic Affairs.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, English or a related discipline. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

7 or more years related experience providing administrative support to senior executives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Ability to prioritize and delegate work, provide clear direction, and manage workflow.

Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing situations. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Ability to foster teamwork and collaborative efforts.

Ability to interact with the highest levels of external constituents with professionalism, discretion, and extraordinary attention to detail.

Ability to interact with all levels of university personnel and external stakeholders confidentially.

Outstanding verbal and written communication, and editing skills, and political acumen. Able to effectively present information one-on-one or in groups. Ability to write clear and concise documents and interpret written information, including policies.

Computer skills: Highly proficient with Microsoft Office.

Highly motivated and organized with the ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality in a highly collaborative work environment.

Preferred qualifications:

Higher education experience. Some supervisory experience.

School/College/Division:

H32 - Provost & VP Academic Affairs

Primary department:

H3201 - VP Academic Affairs

Employment type:

• Regular Employee

• Job type: Full Time

• Job category: Executive

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

• Hourly rate:

• Salary minimum: TBD

• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Normal office environment, in office. Requires some flexibility concerning the schedule demands of the position, including a willingness to work after hours on occasion. Position duties demand that the incumbent handle matters that are sensitive in nature with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1

• Reposted position: No

• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.