General Information

Position Title: Assistant to the President
Control Number: 000571
Reports To: 000515
Position Title Department Name
President President's Office
Department Name: President's Office
Location: President's Office
Date Prepared: November 2005
Exempt: Yes

Primary Purpose

Assist the president in all aspects of his work, including coordinating, overseeing, and managing a wide variety of activities and confidential assignments. Manages the day-to-day operation of the President's Office and serves as the public face of the office in dealing with all College constituencies, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, trustees, and the public.

Responsibilities

Works cooperatively with others and accepts direction from supervisors.

Serves as a primary point of contact for the President on day-to-day operational and administrative issues with all College constituencies and public. Screens and handles sensitive and often confidential telephone communications [for instance from lawyers, parents, students, deans and trustees], greets and directs College visitors, steers administrative issues toward resolution.

Composes and prepares written documentation and correspondence for the office; screens and evaluates incoming and outgoing correspondence and prepares responses as appropriate. Assigns College responses to correspondence and follow up. Proofs presidential correspondence.

Maintains files and records for the office. Keeps up-to-date tickler files one year in advance in preparation of events.

Coordinates and oversees the day-to-day management of supplies and equipment for the office.

Maintains the president's social and academic calendar. Meets with the president and his wife to decide on events they will host, oversees preparation for events: invitation lists, biographies of attendees and honored guests. Serves as liaison to other College constituencies for all presidential social events. Oversees production of president's holiday cards and all campus social events such as Faculty/Staff Holiday Party and Garden Party.

Organizes and schedules all presidential travel.

Liaison with development officer for all presidential prospects. Schedules and coordinates the President's development appointments from initial calls to donors to setting up his meetings, and tracking the follow-up after visits.

Organizes meetings and events that involve the president and the entire College campus. Schedules and coordinates dates and times, venues, attendance, agendas, and facilities, and provides administrative support and follow-up on matters arising from meetings.

Coordinates all presidential materials (scenarios, scripts, speeches)related to public events including Commencement, Convocation, Reunion, Fall Family Weekends, symposia, conferences, and dedications.

Liaison for honorary degree recipients, Commencement speaker and all major lecturers or presidential visitors to campus. Handles all communications, travel arrangements and details related to their visits including setting up their itineraries.

Schedules President's Dining Room and Hadley House, the College guest house. Bills for use of Hadley House.

Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Education & Training

Bachelor's degree required. Excellent command of English grammar and composition. Typing and computer skills required.

Experience

5-7 years experience working with higher education executives.

Knowledge

Familiarity with structure and governance of the College and the different rhythms and temperaments of the many subgroups within the College community.

Other

Must be well organized, have excellent oral and written communication skills and be detail oriented. Must have excellent command of English grammar and composition. Needs to have "global/campus community perspective." Ability to maintain composure and competence under pressure. Must handle confidential information with discretion.