Executive Assistant to the Dean, Workman School of Dental Medicine

High Point University•High Point, NC

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About The Position

The High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine (WSDM) invites applicants for a full time Executive Assistant to the Dean position. This role is pivotal in supporting the Dean and the executive leadership team (ELT) in establishing and start-up dental school and oral health network. We are looking for an individual who embodies exceptional change management behavior, project management, organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs and provide solutions proactively. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary is commensurate with experience and educational credentials. Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University. This person will report to the Dean of the Workman School of Dental Medicine QUALIFICATIONS: It is strongly preferred that the candidate have prior administrative experience, along with relevant experience in hospitality, change management, behavioral sciences, and/or communications. Preference may be given to a candidate with advanced training/degrees (e.g., MA, MEd, MS) and experience in health professions or higher education settings. QUALIFICATIONS: It is strongly preferred that the candidate have prior administrative experience, along with relevant experience in hospitality, change management, behavioral sciences, and/or communications. Preference may be given to a candidate with advanced training/degrees (e.g., MA, MEd, MS) and experience in health professions or higher education settings. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Executive Assistant to the Dean is a critical partner in the strategic and operational success of the Workman School of Dental Medicine and the HPU Health – Oral Health Network. This role provides comprehensive, high-level administrative, organizational, and project management support to the Dean, ensuring the efficient functioning of the Dean's office. This position requires exceptional discretion, proactive problem-solving, superior communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary healthcare and academic environment.

Requirements

prior administrative experience
relevant experience in hospitality, change management, behavioral sciences, and/or communications
exceptional change management behavior
project management
organizational skills
discretion
the ability to anticipate needs and provide solutions proactively

Nice To Haves

advanced training/degrees (e.g., MA, MEd, MS) and experience in health professions or higher education settings

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary administrative liaison for the Dean, managing a complex and demanding calendar, prioritizing appointments, and anticipating needs to maximize the Dean's effectiveness.
Proactively plan and coordinate extensive travel arrangements, speaking engagements, and external commitments for the Dean, including detailed itineraries, logistics, and necessary briefing materials.
Prepare, review, and edit high-level correspondence, presentations, reports, and confidential documents on behalf of the Dean, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to HPU and WSDM brand standards.
Cultivate strong professional relationships with executive assistants and key stakeholders across High Point University, HPU Health, external partners, and national dental organizations.
Serve as the first point of contact for the Dean's office, warmly greeting and assisting all visitors, callers, and inquiries with professionalism and discretion.
Manage and filter incoming communications (calls, emails, visitors), independently responding to inquiries and directing sensitive or complex matters to appropriate personnel for resolution, ensuring a seamless and positive experience.
Orchestrate high-level hospitality for guests, dignitaries, prospective faculty, and key partners visiting the Dean's office, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment. This includes arranging refreshments, managing reception areas, and ensuring guest comfort.
Facilitate internal and external communication flow for the Dean, drafting announcements, updates, and messages that articulate the vision and priorities of the WSDM and HPU Health – Oral Health Network.
Assist in coordinating public relations activities and promotional events led by the Dean's office, ensuring consistent messaging and a positive public image.
Lead or provide significant administrative support for strategic projects and special initiatives originating from the Dean's office, ensuring timelines are met and objectives achieved.
Assist in data gathering, research, and analysis to support the Dean's decision-making and strategic planning for both the academic institution and the clinical network.
Coordinate logistics for high-profile events such as WSDM groundbreaking ceremonies, white coat ceremonies, donor receptions, community outreach events, and visiting dignitaries, ensuring a flawless execution and exceptional guest experience.
Handle highly sensitive and confidential information with the utmost integrity and discretion, including personnel matters, financial data, strategic plans, research findings, and patient-related information (adhering strictly to HIPAA guidelines).
Serve as a trusted confidant and gatekeeper for the Dean, exercising sound judgment in all interactions.