Senior Adminstrative Assistant to the Dean

Senior Administrative Assistant

Sweet Briar is a liberal arts college for women with a long history of forging female leaders.  Sweet Briar College is repeatedly named by the US News and World Report as one of the most innovative liberal arts colleges in the nation.  Sweet Briar College is growing rapidly, attracting students who are drawn to it for its excellent liberal arts program, coupled with distinctive programs in women leadership, engineering, sustainability, arts and its legendary equestrian program. Its finances are robust, and validated by balanced budget and positive bond ratings.

Located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 54 miles south of Charlottesville. Its campus is one of the nation’s most spectacular, replete with nature sanctuaries, lakes, forests, trails, and most recently, vineyards, apiary and greenhouses.

The College boasts a modern core curriculum focused on women's leadership in the 21st century and undergraduate programs in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. It is one of only two women’s colleges in the United States with an ABET-accredited engineering degree. The women’s leadership core curriculum is innovative and energizing.

When students graduate, they are persuasive communicators who know how to think on their feet and bring people together. No matter what they study or where they go, Sweet Briar women are prepared to lead. The campus community is a family of faculty, staff, coaches, and alumnae who support and encourage students and each other. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, students lead research, ask questions and forge supportive relationships with faculty that can last for decades.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.

Job Title:  Senior Administrative Assistant

Classification:  Full-time, non-exempt, benefits eligible staff position

Reports To: Dean of the College

Job Summary/Objective:

The Senior Administrative Assistant will provide administrative assistance in the Dean’s Office and for several faculty committees.

Expected Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some evening/weekend hours

Essential Responsibilities:

• Professionally and courteously answer phones and assist in planning and scheduling meetings and conferences; 
• Prepare reports, spreadsheets and other complex documents;
• Assist in planning and execution of special events on campus (invitations, menus, responses, correspondence, and programs)
• Provide administrative support to Lectures and Events Committee; prepare payment requests to the Business Office; maintain budget information;
• Organize Grant for Engaged Learning (GEL) proposals in preparation for Student Advancement Committee (SAC) meetings; attend SAC meetings, take notes, prepare associated correspondence; facilitate associated payments or reimbursements;
• Prepare faculty travel expense reports and maintain records;
• Organize faculty grant applications and tracking report for Faculty Advancement Committee meetings; prepare travel expense reports and maintain records;
• Provide administrative support to search committees through finalist selection;
• Responsible for preparation of new student records and advising and orientation materials in coordination with faculty, Admissions, Registrar’s Office, and Student Life;
• Serve as administrative advisor for Alpha Lambda Delta, first year academic honorary, and organize annual initiation and reception;
• Assist in maintaining Dean’s Office website; and
• Coordinate general office administrative functions to include, but not limited to, office supplies, maintenance requests, IT & telecom needs, and contact lists.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply:

To apply, visit the Sweet Briar College Career Center: https://sbc.edu/human-resources/faculty-staff-job-openings/. All applications should include: 1) cover letter; 2) resume; 3) a statement highlighting contributions to or future plans for promoting diversity and inclusion through work in this position; and 4) the names and full contact information for three professional references. The materials should be assembled to a single pdf and loaded into the job application portal.  Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the position is filled. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Minimum of 3 years of professional administrative experience; academic experience preferred;
• Excellent organizational, communication, writing, and inter-personal skills;
• Tact, diplomacy and persistence are essential qualities;
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are needed along with the ability to establish and meet goals and deadlines both independently and as a team;
• Must maintain confidentiality of information and a professional demeanor at all times;
• Advanced skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat; and Google (including Mail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, Forms and Drive);
• Take initiative and work without oversight; and
• Occasional work past 5 p.m. and on weekend