Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Divine Mercy University•Sterling, VA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

Divine Mercy University seeks a highly organized, mission-aligned Executive Assistant to support the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA). As a Catholic graduate institution dedicated to forming mental health professionals, educators, and leaders who integrate scientific excellence with a Catholic-Christian understanding of the person, DMU requires an assistant who can uphold the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and service. This individual will provide comprehensive executive administrative support, coordinate academic and operational activities, and serve as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. The position is primarily an onsite position, with the possibility of some remote work. Occasional travel or evening/weekend availability may be required for virtual events, academic processes, or high-priority projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and 3–5 years relevant administrative/executive support experience.
Proven competence in complex office administration: scheduling, correspondence management, digital filing, and project workflow coordination.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn DMU platforms such as Canvas, Populi, or similar systems.
Familiarity with Google Suite.
Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive materials professionally.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education administration, academic affairs, or executive support for senior leadership.
Familiarity with academic structures, accreditation processes, and faculty governance.
Experience coordinating or overseeing administrative staff or student assistants.
Alignment with DMU’s Catholic mission and ability to contribute positively to a faith-informed academic community.

Responsibilities

Manage a dynamic, fast-paced calendar for the VPAA, including scheduling appointments, priorities management, meeting preparation, and coordination with faculty, deans, administrators, and external partners.
Coordinate travel arrangements, virtual meeting logistics, and itineraries for conferences, donor meetings, academic events, and institutional engagements.
Plan and administer logistics for high-level academic meetings, virtual convocations, committees, accreditation-related sessions, and special events.
Prepare agendas, briefing packets, minutes, follow-up communications, and assist with documentation supporting academic processes.
Serve as the primary, professional point of contact for the Office of the VPAA.
Screen and prioritize emails, calls, and inquiries; draft, edit, and proofread official communications, reports, memos, and policy-related documents.
Maintain a tone consistent with DMU’s mission, values, and standards.
Maintain organized digital filing systems, including confidential academic records, tenure/promotion documentation (if applicable), accreditation materials, and internal reports.
Ensure secure handling and storage of sensitive information at all times.
Assist with strategic planning initiatives, academic program reviews, institutional effectiveness processes, academic deadlines, and committee support.
Coordinate cross-departmental activities that require VPAA oversight.
As needed, oversee workflow and delegate tasks to administrative support staff or student workers (remote or on-site).
Demonstrate impeccable discretion and judgment; adapt effectively to evolving institutional priorities.
Operate with professionalism that reflects the Catholic identity and mission of Divine Mercy University.