Executive Assistant to the Dean
Colorado State University
Job Description
Position Summary
The Executive Assistant to the Dean provides high-level executive support, managing the Dean’s schedule, correspondence, meetings, travel, and reports while exercising discretion and sound judgment. This role oversees the day-to-day operations of the Dean’s Office, supervising the Office Manager, and ensures efficient management and office processes. The Executive Assistant also manages faculty-related processes, including tenure, promotion, sabbaticals, reappointments, and supports hiring of tenure-track faculty and administrative staff, requiring professionalism, strong communication skills, and the ability to coordinate complex tasks with attention to detail.
Description of Work Unit
The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) studies the foundational sciences – we ask fundamental questions and apply our knowledge to every field of study. Consisting of eight departments and 10 centers our college is a leader in research, teaching, and community engagement. We are guided by the principles of inclusiveness and integrity and believe we are most productive and impactful when we operate with recognition, appreciation, and respect for our differences. Over 4,800 undergraduate students and 700 Masters and Ph.D. candidates pursue degrees within our departments, and are taught by over 200 faculty.
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree plus three years of increasingly responsible experience in a senior management or executive-level administrative support capacity OR High School Diploma (or GED) plus six years of increasingly responsible experience in a senior or executive-level administrative support capacity.
One year of supervisory experience.
Strong project or event planning, administrative, and organizational skills, and demonstrated problem-solving ability.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated proficiency with all Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Experience in higher education preferably within an administrative or academic unit.
Demonstrated ability to successfully interact and communicate with persons of all backgrounds and at all levels of the university and the community.
Ability to use excellent judgement and discretion when working with confidential information.
Experience leading and managing projects in a cross-functional team environment.
Experience working in an environment that requires adaptability, independent management of competing demands, and adjustments to frequent change.
Experience using CSU HR and Financial systems as well as electronic/virtual meeting software including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and other electronic platforms (e.g. OneDrive file management).
Ability to review existing processes and identify gaps, provide recommendations, build a strategy to solve and then implement solutions.
Essential Job Duties
Executive Support
Manage and prioritize the Dean’s schedule, communications, and travel, including routing requests, coordinating development activities, handling correspondence, and exercising independent judgment on responses while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Prepare and support the Dean’s meetings and leadership activities, including research and briefing materials, presentations, proposals, and planning and executing meetings called by the Dean.
Coordinate and administer executive-level meetings and special projects, including CEC and DLC scheduling, agendas, minutes, document management, follow-up on action items, and completion of special assignments on behalf of the Dean.
Administrative Support
Oversee college-wide faculty administrative processes and compliance, including tenure and promotion, evaluations, sabbaticals, appointments, reappointments, award nominations, and faculty hiring, ensuring adherence to University policies and Provost deadlines.
Serve as a subject-matter expert and advisor to departments and staff, providing guidance on faculty policies, coordinating evaluation and review processes, reviewing dossiers and offer letters, and supporting equitable and compliant search processes.
Coordinate timelines, documentation, and reporting for the College, including tracking action items, maintaining operating procedures, serving as Equal Opportunity Coordinator for searches, and compiling required internal and external reports.
Operations Management and Supervision
Supervise the Office Manager, through role definition, training, performance management, evaluations, and oversight of personnel matters.
Lead and improve administrative operations and business processes within the Dean’s Office, evaluating workflows and implementing efficiencies to support effective office functioning.
Applicant Instructions
For full consideration, materials must be received no later than March 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires);
This position requires in-person work during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The ability to work occasional evening, early morning and/or weekend hours dependent on college/university events, University calendar
Salary Range
$88,000 - $95,000Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CVEmployee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.