Special Assistant to the Dean

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Special Assistant is responsible for supporting the Dean and Associate dean through a combination of project management, writing, editing, research, and high-level administrative and related support functions. Coordinates special projects, compiles information, and completes complex reports and analyses. Works independently or with senior leadership. Interfaces with external stakeholders including senior representatives of the state, local, or federal government agencies and/or private sector companies. Sensitivity to confidential matters, a high level of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy are of paramount importance.
SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:
This position may supervise professional and administrative positions as well as graduate assistants.
NATURE AND SCOPE:

• Provide executive-level support to the Dean of the School of Social Work.
• Perform work on special projects as assigned by the Dean.
• Work with donors, the Board of Visitors, and external members of the community.
• Internal contacts include senior and executive leadership, administrators, faculty, and other staff within the University.
• External contacts may include federal grant agencies, executives at other institutions of higher education, and public and private sector organizations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Oversees special projects assigned by the Dean or Associate Dean
• Prepare annual and special reports for the School of Social Work
• Provides analytical and specialized administrative support to relieve the Dean of and/or assist with complex details and advanced administrative duties.
• Prepare presentations to update executive leadership and internal/external stakeholders on the status of strategic plan and initiatives.
• Plan, develop, administer, coordinate, and track new and/or revised projects including establishing goals, metrics, and timelines to enhance the execution and implementation of strategic plan goals.
• Support the Dean's workflow, including managing the material review and tracking requested action items and follow-ups.
• Represent the Office of the Dean at various meetings.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Dean.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates an ability to interact with persons of all backgrounds, cultures, and affiliations within all levels of government, business, or non-profit entities.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and communication (written and verbal) skills.
• Editing and proofreading skills are essential.
• Strong time management and constructive problem-solving skills.
• Great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to plan and complete multistage projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with internal and external partners.
• Ability to adapt to new and rapidly changing situations.
• Creative, innovative, and able to work independently and in a team with a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to effectively work with multiple databases and student platforms.
• Skill in the application of complex instructions, written and verbal; ability to accurately relate such instructions in full or part to other staff.
• Ability to coordinate several tasks at one time and perform well under pressure.
• Ability to fill in for and perform the duties of designated staff, as needed; ability to relieve management of certain key functions.
• This position may require traveling to work assignments for which the employee must provide his or her own adequate means of transportation.
• Comfort with online webinar technology using audio, video, and shared desktop applications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Master's degree in social work, business administration, communications, or allied areas. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with some experience as a member of the executive management team. A minimum 5 years of experience with project management and project reporting