Administrative Assistant

Unit/Project Description:

The mission of the MacPherson Institute is to collaborate to explore, enhance, support, and recognize teaching and learning experiences at McMaster. Specifically, the Institute partners with, supports, and connects diverse groups of educators by: 1) creating and delivering professional development that engages educators throughout their careers in teaching and learning in order to enhance the student learning experience; 2) facilitating curriculum development and revision that fosters continuous enhancement and engagement in learning; 3) supporting, conducting and recognizing teaching and learning scholarship that has the capacity to develop, inform, and enhance educational initiatives and student learning; and 4) encouraging and elevating the pedagogical use of educational technologies and creative solutions to enhance teaching and learning.

While the responsibilities and key functions of the role are outlined in detail in this job description, this position will have a specific focus on providing scheduling and administrative support directly to the Director, as well as acting as point for all staff who support the Director. The role also involves providing background information for meetings and reports, independently responding to others on behalf of the Director, coordinating information and documentation surrounding recruitment, and reviewing documentation and preparing recommendations for review.

The MacPherson Institute is committed to core values of collaboration, respecting and valuing diverse perspectives and approaches, trust and transparency, scholarly and creative exploration, caring relationships and a commitment to equity. McMaster University and the MacPherson Institute are committed to building an inclusive community dedicated to teaching and learning within a diverse environment. The MacPherson Institute seeks to attract culturally and academically diverse staff and welcomes applications from qualified candidates with skills and abilities that will contribute to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion in teaching and learning.

Job Summary:

Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation within a Faculty/ Department/ Institute. Provides administrative and analytical support to the Director in a variety of areas. Coordinates activities on the Directors behalf and acts as a liaison to senior management across campus. Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability and exercises substantial personal responsibility and accountability to deliver results. Provides lead hand supervision to administrative staff within the office.

Purpose and Key Functions:

Supervision:

Provide lead hand supervision and is responsible for the quality and quantity of work of others.

Requirements:

2year Community College diploma in Office Administration or related field of study.

Requires 4 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

The ideal candidate will have:

• experience with complex calendaring and liaising with senior management offices
• experience building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• experience in an academic setting.

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

• Must be reliable and dependable with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism with excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills
• Must be self-directed and take initiative to enhance processes and practices.

Additional Information:

This position will be located centrally at the McMaster main campus with the majority of hours scheduled in-person. Remote work (up to 40%) may be possible.

When applying, please submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, reflect on how your experience is well-suited to support the Director of the MacPherson Institute and how you have demonstrated effective coordination and multitasking within a very busy unit with many competing priorities.

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ .

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.