The Executive Assistant is not just a support role but a key player in the VP's office. They are responsible for discerning the relevance and priority of various meetings, events, and communications, aligning them with the VP’s strategic objectives. In addition, as the primary liaison for the VP, the role requires interaction with both internal and external stakeholders, facilitating effective communication across all organizational levels. Additionally, the Executive Assistant provides support to the Administration & Finance (A&F) Division’s Associate/Assistant Vice Presidents and Directors (Leadership), as needed, handling sensitive and confidential matters pertaining to personnel, budgeting, and other critical correspondence. This position reports directly to the VicePresident & Chief Financial Officer.JOB DESCRIPTION
Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative and Time Management (30%)
- Serve as the Vice President & CFO’s right hand. Representing the VP’s office at meetings, events, and community-wide initiatives as directed by the VP.
- Collaborate, coordinate, and guide the consistency of all A&F functions – ensuring quality in service and an outstanding customer experience for internal and external stakeholders.
- Relieve the VP of administrative and business details by performing a variety of non-standardized tasks.
- Manage the VP’s calendar and schedule with meticulous attention, ensuring optimal time use and prioritizing engagements based on strategic importance.
- Review, monitor, and triage, with confidentiality at the forefront, the VP’s email accounts.
Communication and Information Preparation (30%)
- Draft, edit, and manage correspondence to ensure clarity and professionalism on behalf of the VP’s office.
- Send email communications on behalf of the Vice President & CFO when deemed appropriate by the VP.
- Compile detailed research and background information on priority issues and projects to support informed decision-making by the VP.
Decision Support and Prioritization (20%)
- Assess the VP’s requirements for making informed decisions about allocating time to events, meetings, and correspondence.
- Ensure that the VP’s schedule aligns with strategic priorities and organizational needs.
Liaison and Coordination (10%)
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the VP and the majority of internal/external stakeholders.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration across all levels of the division, enhancing operational effectiveness.
Support to Additional Leadership and Confidential Handling (10%)
- Provide operational and administrative support to the A&F’s Leadership and other designated individuals as needed.
- Handle highly sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality, including personnel issues, budget preparation, internal and external correspondence, and other complex situations.
- Serve as primary support for A&F’s professional development opportunities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Highly collaborative.
- Ability to meet project deadlines while adapting to immediate demands/priorities.
- Knowledge of corporate, higher education, state, and federal governance principles, as well as managerial best practices.
- Skills in managing complex schedules and logistics with the ability to anticipate needs.
- Ability to thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment and prioritize work under pressure.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Always exercise decorum and protocol appropriate for the Vice President & CFO’s Office.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field.
- At least two years of executive administrative experience, preferably in the corporate or public higher education sector.
- Strong proficiency in MS Office and corporate productivity tools.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated a high degree of diplomacy.
- In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting C-level executives in the financial or public higher education sector.
- Advanced certification in administrative management (e.g., Certified Administrative Professional).
- Experience with enterprise resource platforms, financial management software, and other analysis tools.
REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:
- This position requires a background check, which includes a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute §435.
- This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.
NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This position is salary exempt. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required. Travel between campus locations may be required.
TARGET HIRING SALARY: $60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience.
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: The position is open until filled; however, the review of applications will commence immediately.
APPLICATION PROCESS: In addition to completing the online application, all Applicants are required to upload the following as an attachment to the application (preferably in PDF format):
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Contact information for three professional references
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO APPLICANTS:
This role will be primarily based at the Poly South campus, which is physically located on the Lakeland campus of Polk State College. It also has periodic duties on the Florida Poly main campus.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.
Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.
FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATIONFlorida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.RETIREMENTFlorida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information. FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS- Perks and Discounts
- Annual Leave
- To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
- Sick Leave
- Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
- Employee Assistant Program (EAP)