Executive Assistant to the President

Cal Poly•San Luis Obispo, CA

4d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Executive Assistant strategically evaluates requests for the President’s time in relation to the California State University System, institutional priorities, initiatives, and external opportunities. Working closely with colleagues across the CSU, the Office of the President, the President’s Cabinet, University Development and Alumni Engagement leadership, university divisions, auxiliaries, and the President’s Spouse, the incumbent helps ensure the President is prepared, well-informed, and appropriately positioned for high-value engagements. The role also partners with the Associate Vice President for the President’s Office to coordinate engagement with senior executives, business and civic leaders, dignitaries, donors, and Cal Poly Foundation members in support of the university’s strategic and fundraising priorities. The Office of the President supports the university President, who provides leadership for all aspects of Cal Poly operations. Its staff support the President’s vision and the university’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, service, community partnership, and the Learn by Doing educational experience. The position requires the equivalent of graduation from a four-year college or university and five years of progressively responsible administrative experience as a secretary, executive secretary, or senior-level staff assistant. A graduate degree may substitute for one year of required experience, and additional qualifying experience may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis. A valid driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by the date of hire, is required. Employment requires satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check. The position is designated as a mandated reporter under California law. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university.
Five years of progressively responsible administrative experience as a secretary, executive secretary, or senior-level staff assistant.
A graduate degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.
Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
Advanced, expert-level skill managing highly complex schedules and calendars for senior executives, with demonstrated ability to prioritize appointments based on institutional goals and university priorities.
Strong drive and enthusiasm for detailed, time-sensitive administrative work, with a preference for focused, independent, discreet, behind-the-scenes support.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate information clearly and understandably.
High proficiency with online calendaring, advanced email management tools, virtual meeting platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and institutional operating systems.
Ability to work effectively and maintain professional composure in a high-level, high-profile, fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and multiple levels of activity and priorities.
Satisfactory completion of a background check, including a criminal records check.
Must comply with mandated reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083.
Must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Responsibilities

Strategically evaluate requests for the President’s time in relation to CSU, institutional priorities, initiatives, and external opportunities.
Coordinate with colleagues across the CSU, the Office of the President, the President’s Cabinet, University Development and Alumni Engagement leadership, university divisions, auxiliaries, and the President’s Spouse.
Ensure the President is prepared, well-informed, and appropriately positioned for high-value engagements.
Partner with the Associate Vice President for the President’s Office to coordinate engagement with senior executives, business and civic leaders, dignitaries, donors, and Cal Poly Foundation members in support of university strategic and fundraising priorities.