Executive Assistant, Science and Technology Strategy

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Executive Assistant is a key individual contributor responsible for assisting the Chancellor’s Executive Director for Science and Technology Strategy with all scheduling, travel arrangements, and preparation of briefing materials, along with managing day-to-day administrative support activities for the Science and Technology Strategy team. Duties range from standardized office support assignments to performance of administrative duties involving high-level decision making and judgment. This role requires advanced interpersonal skills to develop and maintain professional relationships across the university, particularly with administrative staff, faculty, board members, and external partners. The position demands the ability to work autonomously, coordinate multiple activities simultaneously, and handle confidential information. A comprehensive understanding of University and Chancellor’s office politics and procedures is expected. The Science and Technology Strategy team reports to the Chancellor’s Executive Director and is charged with advancing Vanderbilt University’s institutional goals and priorities for science and technology development in areas such as energy innovation, defense and national security, health sciences and biotechnology, and quantum and AI technologies.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
Minimum of five years’ experience in an office environment is required.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Highly organized and well-coordinated.
Critical thinking skills as well as the ability to work successfully with minimal supervision and exercise independent thinking and judgment.
Advanced interpersonal skills to develop and maintain professional relationships within the university and communicate effectively with external representatives and partners.
Ability to take initiative and multi-task, work well under pressure, meet deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and willingness to rapidly learn new skills as needed.
Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies within a complex and fast-paced organizational environment demanding high energy, discretion, patience, enthusiasm, and humor.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Teams)

Responsibilities

Coordinates busy and shifting calendars to schedule and support meetings (recurring, ad hoc, committee, etc.) with both internal and external participants, applying excellent judgment in determining priorities.
Manages travel arrangements for the Chancellor’s Executive Director, including airline and hotel reservations, ground transportation, meeting arrangements, and expense reports.
Coordinates logistical arrangements for meetings, including space reservations, catering, audio/visual needs, equipment set-up, and communication with meeting attendees. Assists with events, including those that may occur outside working hours on occasion.
Provides general administrative management for the Science and Technology Strategy team, including processing mail and calls; printing and copying documents; ordering supplies; and handling related issues as they arise.
Coordinates with VUIT and other internal or external service teams on equipment maintenance for copier, audio/visual equipment, printers, and computers in use by the Science and Technology Strategy team.
Independently or in collaboration with the Science and Technology Strategy team Director of Projects or Project Manager, prepares briefings, agendas/itineraries, and other materials for meetings, appointments, and events, including triaging issues that the Chancellor’s Executive Director needs to address.
Independently or in collaboration with the Science and Technology Strategy team Director of Projects or Project Manager, composes and drafts formal written materials such as business letters, memos, and agendas; proofreads and formats similar documents and PowerPoint presentations prepared by other team members; takes cogent and concise meeting minutes; and follows up on select action items and deliverables.
Reconciles non-payroll budget expenses, including researching and resolving discrepancies, preparing expense reports, and initiating systems input for disbursements and payment requests.
Communicates effectively and efficiently with parties within and outside the university, including high-profile collaborators and partners, demonstrating a consistently collaborative, teamwork-oriented approach.
Demonstrates strong technical skills, including familiarity with project management software (e.g., Teams) and the ability to quickly learn and utilize new technologies as needed.
Maintains an extensive understanding of the university’s policies and procedures as well as the university’s goals and priorities in science and technology strategy.
Performs administrative and clerical duties of a complex, detailed, and confidential nature; demonstrates excellent discretion and judgment; and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information (e.g., information related to confidential projects).