Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Professional Programs

Eastern Washington University, United States

Updated: 29 days ago
Location: Cheney, WASHINGTON
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Title Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Professional Programs
Posting Number 2024019EP

Position Information


Classification Title Administrative Specialist
Working Title Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Professional Programs
Classification Code 1588
RCW Exemption Criteria 16 - Principal Assistant
EWU Position Number E99514
CUPA Code No Match
FLSA Exempt - Administrative
Bargaining Unit None
% Full Time 100
Salary / Wage Range AE - 111
Salary Information
The salary for this position is $69,150 (minimum) up to $83,059. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on qualifications, education, experience, and skills.
Anticipated Start Date May-June 2024
Term of Appointment 12 months per year
Location Cheney campus
County Spokane
Project Description
Project Duration
Background Check Yes - Both
Responsible HR User Kenlyn Mackey
Responsible HR User Email address [email protected]

Position Details


Job Summary
  • The College of Professional Programs at Eastern Washington University is currently seeking applicants for an Executive Assistant to the Dean.
  • This position reports to the Dean of the College and works to ensure effective college operations by providing executive level and administrative support to the Dean in a highly confidential and professional manner.
  • In this capacity, the position is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, coordinating, and managing assigned administrative services for the College, exercising independent judgment, as well as decision-making authority in designated areas.
  • The position requires a high degree of personal initiative, flexibility, and personal judgment in all assignments, along with strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to organize and prioritize tasks to ensure smooth workflow, excellence in work standards and a demonstrated interest in providing strong customer service.
  • The Executive Assistant will also provide periodic support for the Associate Dean(s), and College Financial Officer (CFO) as well serve as a resource for the Chairs, faculty and staff of the College and its Schools, Programs, and non-academic units.


  • Please see job duties section for a more complete list of position responsibilities.

  • Applications will be accepted until further notice; screening of applications will begin April 11, 2024. Applications will be kept confidential, and references will not be contacted until candidates are notified.

  • Eastern Washington University is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff, students, and academic program offerings and to strengthening sensitivity to diversity throughout the institution. Eastern Washington University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.

  • In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health
    insurance, life and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page: https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits/insurance/ .
About Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. EWU’s 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington’s second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences, and at Riverpoint, a campus shared with Washington State University. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction , a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a ’22-’23 College of Distinction (CoD).
Money magazine recently named EWU as one of its Best Colleges in America 2023 .
Tribal Land Acknowledgement
Eastern Washington University resides within the traditional homelands of the Spokane People and other tribes who are connected through their shared history of this region. This land holds their cultural DNA and it is their Ancestors who are here and bring forth the knowledge of this place—the knowledge that comes from the land.
Diversity Statement
EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.
Conditions of Employment
  • Must be able to work occasional nights and/or weekends to fulfill special projects and events, have a valid Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle for occasional local travel to meetings as needed. Mileage reimbursed at state rates.
  • This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value; as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.
  • All new employees must comply with EWU immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.


  • Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.
Physical Demands
  • Essential Functions Analysis forms (“EFA”) describe the physical and mental demands associated with our positions. You may access this document by contacting Shelly Dehn at [email protected]
Pre-Placement Physical No
Hearing Test No
Medical Monitoring Post Hire No
Protective Equipment
  • University, local, regional and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors (any field). Additional years of senior level administrative experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
  • At least five years of relevant administrative experience, demonstrating readiness to succeed in this senior-level position. To be considered qualifying, your years of experience must be beyond entry level and/or clerical tasks, and must include one or more of the following, which may come from one position, or a combination of positions, to equal at least five years of this administrative experience:
    • Office management experience which includes supervising/leading other office workers; and/or
    • Providing administrative support to an executive which includes exercising delegated authority to handle high level administrative responsibilities on behalf of an executive; and/or
    • Directing projects, programs, or a school to include accountability for achieving objectives; and/or
    • Experience performing the key responsibilities as defined for this position and which include decision-making authority and use of judgment in handling confidential matters.

  • Strong computer skills demonstrated by three years’ successful full time work experience using a variety of software programs such as: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, databases, data systems, Outlook, publishing software, and Zoom
  • Experience maintaining both manual and electronic records and files.
  • Outstanding communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply a culturally responsive and flexible approach that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal accessibility, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience gained in a higher education setting that matches at least one of the experience types listed under minimum qualifications
  • Strong skill set in external relations
  • Exceptional writing skills
  • Experience in interpreting policies, procedures, and memorandums of agreement.
  • Preference may be given to current employees of Eastern Washington University.
Other Skills and Abilities
  • Flexibility
  • Collaboration
  • Collegiality
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
Work Schedule Type Regular
Work Schedule
8m – 5pm M-F with occasional nights and weekends. Occasionally, working from the Spokane, WA office located in the Catalyst building.
Posting Date 03/13/2024
Open Until Further Notice No
Closing Date
Screening to Begin 04/11/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application materials through our online application portal located here: https://jobs.hr.ewu.edu. If you are unable to submit through the applicant portal, contact Human Resources Services at (509) 359-2381.
Applications will be accepted until further notice; screening of applications will begin April 11, 2024.
It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.
1. Attach a detailed cover letter in which you describe how you meet each of the required qualifications and preferred if applicable. It is preferred that you provide that information in a bulleted list within the body of your cover letter.
2. Attach a chronological resume including work experience, education, and applicable certifications.
3. Please attach a list of professional references to include their names, titles, organization names, phone numbers, email addresses, and their connection to you.
4. Diversity Response – As an equal opportunity employer with a multicultural staff and student population, we are interested in how your qualifications prepare you to work with diverse faculty, staff, and student populations representing various cultures and backgrounds that may be different from your own. Please describe how you will apply an approach that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal access, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.
All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified. Note: Letters of Reference are not required at this time. We reserve the right to request letters of reference at a future date, such as once we have identified interview candidates.
Application Types Accepted Profile

Job Duties


% of Time 25
Responsibility / Duty
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN
  • Assist the Dean and direct or support activities in relation to College goals and objectives. Exercise decision-making authority in designated areas and use judgment in handling confidential matters for the Dean and other administrative staff in the Dean’s office. Relay information and direction from the Dean. Assist the Dean in the development of College and school cohesion and morale.
  • Schedule appointments and establish calendar priorities for the Dean with appropriate information for each appointment. Schedule and arrange meetings, make room reservations, assure that the dean is briefed on matters for scheduled meetings. Develop, prepare and /or assemble materials for meetings. Record and prepare minutes of meetings, agendas and information packets. These meetings include college and university committees, college advisory board and periodic program accreditation activities and others as determined.
  • Act as a liaison with the College units, Academic Affairs, and the other units of the university.
  • Collect information to support or aid the Dean in making decisions. Research, collect and analyze data and other information. Review materials submitted by College units. Prepare information and decision packets.
  • Compose designated portions of policy statements, proposals, accreditation materials. Compose drafts and final responses to inquiries, letters, and surveys. Prepare materials for higher administration.
  • Provides leadership to the College on matters pertaining to organizational design, job design, staff recruitment, talent management, training and development, performance management, and employee relations. Ensures that the knowledge, skills, abilities, and performance of the workforce meet current and future organizational and individual needs. Facilitates change processes through leadership and strategic human resources management.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Essential Function Indicator Yes
% of Time 10
Responsibility / Duty
MARKETING MANAGEMENT
  • Oversee the College Web site to ensure current information on the main and sub-web site pages.
  • Oversee the preparation of publications/brochures for the schools, programs and College for internal use and student recruitment.
  • Oversee College social media activities.
  • Oversee the College Annual Report.
  • Assist in recruitment/retention events as needed, to include but not limited to tabling events, school visits, purchasing of marketing materials etc.
Essential Function Indicator Yes
% of Time 25
Responsibility / Duty
OFFICE OPERATIONS
  • Oversee Dean’s Office travel functions. Assist with travel arrangements for the Dean and other Dean office staff. Review forms, cost calculations, cost tracking, and prepare copies. Train school/program staff on travel procedures. Monthly report to be reviewed and approved by CFO.
  • Manage the college’s procurement card in the absence of the primary cardholder(s). Temporarily assist Schools in purchasing as needed. Monthly report to be reviewed and approved by the CFO.
  • Assist in managing the College Faculty Computer Replacement Program and staff computers. May include ordering computers, maintaining databases, etc.
  • Oversee the management of College information and data. Maintain divisional and institutional documents and materials. Establish effective handling of highly confidential information and materials.
  • Develop or update and implement office operations and procedures to include: filing and records systems, processing of mail, reception, inventory maintenance and control. Establish quality controls and procedures that lead to efficiency and effectiveness of the office.
  • Work closely with staff, faculty, chairs and others to respond to requests, resolve problems and refer to appropriate resources/personnel; budget/personnel requests are always forwarded to CFO except for items that are specifically delegated to the Executive Assistant.
  • Assist as directed with the maintenance and/or management of the Dean’s office foundation account; monitor, track and coordinate foundation donations and scholarships. Make foundation deposits and produce gift acknowledgement letters.
  • Support, execute or oversee designated college operations including, but not limited to the areas of personnel administration, fund raising, recruiting, and budget maintenance. Coordinate office moves; oversee and/or fulfill ordering furniture, supplies, and equipment.
Essential Function Indicator Yes
% of Time 20
Responsibility / Duty
SPECIAL PROJECTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
  • Manage and coordinate special projects and events as assigned. Independently think through complex projects (operationalize new programs, identify issues, determine steps to completion).
  • Determine procedures and necessary steps, develop plans for accomplishing project tasks, and execute and/or assign project tasks.
  • Coordinate recruitment and other events and activities for the College including scheduling, participant communications, and handling or overseeing logistics (site, equipment, IT support, and other logistics).
  • Prepare presentations, programs, scripts, awards, contracts, etc. Serve as resource person to schools and university regarding events involving the College.
  • Manage college-level events, including but not limited to Commencement, Retreats, and Annual Award Ceremony.
Essential Function Indicator Yes
% of Time 20
Responsibility / Duty
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION
  • Provide leadership to the College and its Schools and programs in the areas of human resources management, policies, and processes.
  • Maintain knowledge on contracts, policies, procedures, and practices. Interpret and administer proper personnel practices and procedures.
  • Establishes processes that optimize efficiency and ensures compliance with HR policies and procedures.
  • Administer recruiting process for exempt/classified/faculty positions in consultation with HR school.
  • Administer the faculty evaluation/tenure/promotion process; to include but not limited to management of the university shared drives, track eligibility; notify faculty; provide guidance and direction to personnel committees and chairs and ensure compliance with university deadlines.
  • Assist in management of Faculty Activity Plans (FAP).
  • Supervise assigned staff: interview/recommend for hire, train, supervise, approve leave, approve timesheets, evaluate, coach/discipline as warranted.
  • Co-direct the work of other office staff and student workers.
  • Assist with interviewing, training, oversight of College classified staff as needed.
  • Develop job descriptions, and performance expectations for College staff. Assist chairs in development of job descriptions and performance expectations of school staff.
  • Assist and counsel chairs, directors, faculty, and staff to resolve office conflicts and needs.
  • Conduct meetings with college staff to provide information on policies and procedures.
  • Respond and resolve day-to-day issues involving College staff; keep Dean informed.
Essential Function Indicator Yes

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