Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Student Services

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

Title (Function): Executive
Assistant to the Vice President for Student Services
Department: Student Services
Reporting To: Vice President for Student
Services
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $57,000.00-61,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date: 04/14/2025
Close Date: 05/04/2025 11:59 PM MST

SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals

SECTION II - THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at every position as a seat . Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.

OVERVIEW AND SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

The Office of the Vice President for Student Services is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of the following areas: Enrollment Management, Residence Life, Student Life, International Programs, Campus Recreation Services, Student Health and Wellness, and student discipline.

Student Services Office Operations:

• Authority to resolve student issues and problems, work directly with unit Directors to resolve student issues.
  
• Develop and manage an office budget, monitor the budgets of the administrative areas assigned to the VP's office.
  
• Develop and arrange meetings that require the involvement of the Vice President's office. Manage and coordinate the VP's schedule to ensure appropriate and timely access for students, faculty and administrators.
  
• Oversight of the Vice President's calendar and travel arrangements.
  
• Coordinate the initiation of confidential intake files for all students.
  
  Student Advocacy:
  
• Provide personalized guidance to students facing challenges, such as academic difficulties, housing concerns, financial problems, or personal crises.
  
• Manage communication with faculty about the status of students who need to be absent from classes and/or require a special arrangement to complete course requirements.
  
• Initiate actions as appropriate with other administrative offices to resolve student issues.
  
• Work collaboratively with professional student service personnel, administrative and academic department heads and external community officials.
  
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations and other stakeholders that offer external resources for students.
  
• Meet with students individually to discuss their needs and concerns.

  
  Student Pantry:



• Oversight of the student Pantry on campus. This includes managing the budget and daily operations.
  
• Stay updated on the needs of the campus community and adjust the pantry as needed.
  
• Oversight of the Swipe Out Hunger program.
  
  Other duties may be assigned as needed by our business.

  SECTION III - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT

  For the success of our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit" in our seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture, demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.
  
  

  CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS
  Capacity for this seat includes knowledge, skills and emotional intelligence and ability to commit to this seat.
  
  

• Strong communication skills to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
  
• Ability to analyze student concerns and determine the best course of action
  
• Regularly demonstrating emotional intelligence to facilitate good relationships and a positive working environment
  
• Maintains a high level of professionalism in all interactions and communications
  
• Understanding of academic and administrative structures, policies, and procedures at a university
  
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines
  
• Flexible and able to adjust to changing priorities and demands
  
• Capability to anticipate needs, resolve issues proactively, and make decisions under pressure
  
  ESSENTIALS TO BE SUCCESSFUL
  
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  
• 2 years' experience in an administrative or executive assistant role, preferably within a higher education setting
  
• Demonstrated experience handling confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism
  
• Proven ability to multi- task with critical deadlines with minimal or no direction
  
• Ability to interact professionally with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders
  
• Advanced knowledge of office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
  
  Reasonable
  accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
  the essential functions.
  
  DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical
  functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and
  areas of accountability.
  
  DIRECT INQUIRIES
  CONTACT: Roberto Montoya, rmontoya@coloradomesa.edu
  
  HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be
  asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then
  providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared
  to upload a:
  
• Cover letter
  
• Resume
  
• Include the
  name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three
  professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you
  are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current
  or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or
  former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand
  knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
  
• Copy of
  transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social
  security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading
  the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

  ABOUT COLORADO
  MESA UNIVERSITY

  A comprehensive
  university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional
  educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's
  largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,
  its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via
  online offerings.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western
  Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and
  international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling
  10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
  
  At the heart of
  the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher
  education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to
  challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and
  thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain
  the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in
  life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong
  liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment
  needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce
  demands.
  
  The Grand Valley
  is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you
  will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the
  Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class
  mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's
  less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country
  skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one
  of Colorado's best kept secrets.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working
  with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment
  to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students
  within higher education.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living
  community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all
  final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations
  include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when
  appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able
  to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal
  Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and
  student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a
  disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided
  reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an
  employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU
  Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide
  additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional
  limitations and the type of accommodation needed.

  
  Colorado Mesa University
  
  Attn: Human Resources Office
  
  1100 North Avenue
  
  Grand Junction, CO 81501

  
  970.248.1820