Executive Assistant to the President

Warren Wilson College is seeking a highly organized and professional Executive Assistant to provide direct daily support to the President of the College. This pivotal position requires exceptional written and verbal communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities for the Office of the President with grace and efficiency. Key responsibilities include managing the President’s travel and calendar, meeting and event coordination and support, and handling sensitive information with timeliness and discretion. With proficiencies in MS Office and Google Suite as requisites, applicants must have at least two years of previous experience supporting a high level officer, preferably in higher education, and be able to work with a broad range of stakeholders from a diverse range of identities and experiences with the utmost professionalism. Please be aware this position will require some irregular evening and weekend hours, primarily for board meetings and College events.

Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the College, and the responsibilities for this full-time, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter, which includes experience working with a diverse range of identities and experiences including, but not limited to, previous DEI training or initiatives. All applications must be received electronically.

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 6, 2024. All applications must be received electronically. Please be aware that no relocation assistance is available for this position.

Our mission:

Warren Wilson College’s distinctive approach to education intentionally integrates academics, work, and community engagement to cultivate curiosity, empathy, and integrity. We empower graduates to pursue meaningful careers and lead purposeful lives dedicated to a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

To fulfill this mission, the College, through its Strategic Imperative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is unwavering in our commitment to the dignity of all people—particularly those populations who have been both historically oppressed and continue to experience systemic oppression. As we value the breadth of diversity necessary for a rich campus culture, we also recognize the particular challenge and opportunity for growth and leadership around race, noting that such a focus necessarily intersects with deepening efforts around other aspects of identity (such as ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexuality, class, and worldview). We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support a culturally diverse faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and focus on inclusive excellence, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College. We welcome applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (e.g., people of African, Latiné, Indigenous, and/or Asian descent) and individuals who have experience working with diverse populations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Two years experience supporting a high level executive position.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills including editorial and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated ability to represent a key college office professionally and respectfully.
• Prior experience working with highly confidential information while exercising discretion.
• Evidence of experience utilizing basic accounting and budgetary procedures.
• Proficiency with managing tech support for video conferencing.
• Demonstrated prior experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from a diverse range of identities and experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting a key executive in a higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the President's calendar, including the proper sequencing of meetings that reflect the strategic priorities of the President. Ensures the President receives sufficient background and preparation material in a timely manner prior to scheduled meetings.
• Serves as a key member of the support team for the Board of Trustees, attending all Board meetings and interacting personally with members of the Board and special guests. Assists with operational tasks associated with supporting the Board.
• Books travel and prepares detailed travel itineraries, coordinates and arranges conferences, flights, hotels, and ground transportation for the President. Remains on call during travel days, watching for flight cancellations, delays, etc.
• Manages events hosted by the President, including management of guest lists, logistics, facilities, catering, invitations, and other aspects of Presidential events.
• Provides support for major relationships and initiatives coordinated by the President.
• Assesses inquiries directed to the President, determines the proper course of action, and delegates to the appropriate individual to manage the response.
• Develops and proofreads a wide variety of agendas, minutes, reports, letters and memoranda from rough draft or verbal instruction; independently composes correspondence and other documents in support of the President.
• Serves as welcoming first point of contact for callers and visitors to the President's Office, referring individuals to the appropriate office, if necessary.
• Provides support for major College-wide events, such as Commencement. Orders regalia; tracks attendance of dignitaries, Trustees, and special guests; prepares and obtains briefings; and coordinates cart transportation.
• Provides frequent assistance to members of the Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, visitors, and various other external constituencies and individuals, in person or over the telephone, demonstrating clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, and special needs.
• Monitors and manages correspondence on behalf of the President and the President's Office, including management of the office's email account and postal mail, and internal communication.
• Tracks budget usage for the President.
• Act as building manager for Ogg Administration Building.
• Other duties as assigned.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.