Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President for Communications

Brown University•Searchlight, NV

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President (SVP) for Communications supports the leadership function of a division committed to providing strategic direction in communications, reputation elevation, marketing and constituency engagement. Reporting directly to the SVP, the Executive Assistant functions as a central point of communication to the full staff reporting to the SVP, and works closely with the SVP’s team members to ensure open communication and progress on issues and special projects. The Executive Assistant manages the allocation of the Senior Vice President’s time and commitments, prepares background materials, drafts presentations, and writes correspondence, in addition to managing as logistics for meetings, gatherings, special events, initiatives and programs hosted by the SVP’s office. For this work, the incumbent in the position maintains a strong working knowledge of Brown University’s policies, processes and operations. The Executive Assistant engages in writing, editing and oral communications to assist the SVP in communicating with a broad range of campus partners and stakeholders, as well as external constituencies. The position also supports the SVP’s role as an executive editor for web content, video, and a full range of editorial and marketing collateral by updating content across a broad range of communications platforms. The executive assistant engages in various forms of research as a collaborative partner and advocate for the SVP’s initiatives. The Executive Assistant is an important contributor to management of core platforms and initiatives that fall under the oversight of the SVP for dissemination of university communications. The position also assists the SVP with research on special projects and initiatives requiring administrative support. The Executive Assistant exercises diplomacy and discretion in supporting the SVP and managing sensitive information. The Executive Assistant is part of a highly collaborative and creative team of communications strategists and professionals, where individual team members’ ideas, perspectives and experiences contribute to value of the team’s work.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
At least 5 years of professional experience, preferably in a communications, public relations, marketing or higher education environment
Excellent writing and editing skills, as well as excellent oral communication and ability to distill concepts
Full proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Working knowledge of InDesign and Adobe Acrobat
Strong computer and transcription skills and a commitment to attention to detail
Capacity to take the initiative in problem solving; ability to learn new processes with minimum supervision, and confidence in decision making to move projects forward
Experience working with web content management systems and digital project management platforms
Strong knowledge of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn
Ability to conduct research and share conclusions
Demonstrated planning and organizational skills with a strong customer service orientation
Capacity to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines, keep calm under pressure, prioritize, and exhibit confidence to seek guidance when needed
Discretion, diplomacy and the ability to maintain confidential information
Professional demeanor with the ability to project a positive image and represent the Office of University Communications.

Nice To Haves

Experience with financial management preferred

Responsibilities

Play a key role in managing core aspects of the operations of the Office of the Senior Vice President, including constituent relations, financial coordination of the central budget and various cost centers, vendor contracts, invoicing, and human resources.
Manage the Senior Vice President’s schedule and planning for internal and external meetings, serving as a collaborative partner and advocate for the SVP in sustaining relationships with other campus executives, stakeholders, and constituents through responsive scheduling and balancing shifting needs and priorities.
Contribute to management of core platforms and initiatives that fall under the oversight of the SVP for dissemination of university communications and assist the SVP with research on special projects and initiatives requiring administrative support.
Support the Senior Vice President’s role as an executive editor for content for web, video, and a full range of high-level strategic editorial and marketing collateral.
Remain knowledgeable about issues and initiatives affecting the University and higher education to sustain contextual knowledge of matters affecting the work of the SVP and Office of University Communications.