Administrative Specialist/Office Manager

Duties Description The Administrative Specialist/Office Manager plays a pivotal role in the Office of the President, providing administrative support, coordinating key initiatives, and assisting with operational tasks related to the administration of university programs and events. This position serves as a confidential liaison by providing direct administrative support and executive-level assistance to the Chief of Staff and the high‑profile functions overseen by the Chief of Staff. This is a full‑time, twelve (12) month, Management Confidential position requiring an on‑campus presence and is not eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Serves as the initial point of contact, virtually and in person, for the Office of the President offering a welcoming and professional presence to all visitors and stakeholders.
• Oversee day‑day office operations and logistics, purchasing, budget reconciliation including the coordination of shared spaces and resources.
• Prioritize and delegate tasks as needed, especially during large projects or events, leveraging support from other areas within the University as appropriate.
• Coordinate communication between the Office of the President, cabinet members, and other departments, ensuring alignment with institutional goals (Presidential Committees).
• Strategically manage the Chief of Staff's calendar, prioritise their time and schedule meetings and other upcoming assignments.
• Provide high‑level administrative assistance such as coordinating meetings, drafting communications, developing agendas, synthesising information and data to prepare reports and presentations.

Strategic Coordination and Communication

• Serve as a liaison between the Office of the President and university leadership, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Support the planning and execution of university‑wide initiatives, including retreats, forums, and special projects and events.
• Oversee status updates and project tracking to ensure timely reporting to the Chief of Staff.
• Participate in key meetings to capture notes, identify action items, and assist in follow‑up and execution.
• As directed, oversee communications and meetings, ensuring agendas, minutes, and follow‑up communications are executed smoothly.
• Provide flexible and positive responses under the ambiguity and pressure of a dynamic environment with frequent interruptions and deadlines.

Confidentiality and Discretion

• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with a high level of discretion, judgement, and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality related to personnel, student, finance, legal, and strategic matters.
• Performs and assists in other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience providing administrative support to senior level management or senior administrators. OR an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience providing administrative support to senior level management or senior administrators.
• Thorough knowledge of office practices, protocol and procedures and equipment.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, including report presentation skills.
• Strong customer service and listening skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritise assignments, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Cultural competence and ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, include occasional evening and weekends in support of special projects and events.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience providing administrative support to senior level management or senior administrators, preferably in higher education, non‑profit or government/public entity.
• Familiarity with project management tools software.