Assistant to the President's Office

Kirkwood Community College • Cedar Rapids, IA

3d

About The Position

The Assistant to the President's Office advances the college’s mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement. The role provides direct administrative assistance to the President’s Office, exercising independent judgment and critical thinking while maintaining its daily operations. It serves as a liaison between the office and internal and external groups and carries out special projects for the President and Chief of Staff. The position handles inquiries, complaints, and requests concerning college activities from staff, faculty, and students, and performs duties delegated by the President and Chief of Staff.

The assistant supports correspondence and reports, information distribution, contracts and other legal matters, meeting preparation, and travel coordination for staff and Board members. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional evening meetings. The position involves working in an office setting and requires discretion with sensitive and confidential information.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree with postsecondary administrative professional training and/or five or more years of previous office administration experience.
• Previous experience working within an upper-level supervisor’s office.
• Knowledge of and experience with personal computer software.
• Ability to assume responsibility, address problems effectively, and exercise good judgment.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work efficiently and accurately amid frequent interruptions.
• Ability to manage deadlines and switch tasks quickly and flexibly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, board members, colleagues, staff, students, and the public.
• Self-motivation, energy, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and professional appearance.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality when processing, maintaining, and discussing sensitive information with the President.
• Flexible schedule and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with little direction and a strong sense of urgency.
• Friendly personality and a “can do” attitude.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with internal customers, clients, and vendors in person and by telephone.
• Commitment to welcoming and valuing people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, and supporting an environment that accepts differences.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in an educational setting.
• Experience with the full suite of Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Resolve complex and routine inquiries and respond to information requests from the President, Cabinet, Board of Trustees, Kirkwood Facilities Foundation Board of Directors, local and state officials, the press, and the general public.
• Handle questions, issues, and requests on the President’s behalf, and respond to routine matters that do not require the President’s attention.
• Coordinate projects for the President, ensuring follow-through and timely completion; coordinate activities with college departments and outside agencies as needed.
• Coordinate travel arrangements for the President’s Office and Board of Trustees.
• Screen and receive visitors and telephone calls using discretion.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Compose routine and non-routine correspondence.
• Assist with agendas, materials, packets, and minutes for college boards and committees.
• Help compile materials for monthly Iowa Community College Presidents’ meetings.
• Perform liaison duties with members of the Board and Cabinet.
• Coordinate Presidential events, including the legislative reception, presidential advisory committee, and Day on the Hill.
• Support legislative activities by coordinating meetings with elected officials and helping prepare legislative materials.
• Independently plan, organize, and schedule work; coordinate schedules and meetings with consideration for travel time, preparation, and flexibility.
• Serve on College committees and task teams as requested.
• Perform notary duties as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree