Presidential Aide

CSU Careers•Chico, CA

About The Position

Under the general direction of the President and Chief of Staff, with the Chief of Staff serving as the position’s supervisor, the Presidential Aide provides high-level, confidential executive support to the President and serves as a key operational resource within the Office of the President. The role strategically manages the President’s time, schedule, travel, meeting preparation, correspondence, and information flow, while supporting the coordination and execution of presidential priorities and institutional responsibilities. The Presidential Aide is the primary coordinator and gatekeeper of the President’s calendar, using sound judgment and discretion to evaluate requests, establish priorities, anticipate needs, resolve competing demands, and align the President’s time with University priorities. The position coordinates presidential travel and prepares the President for meetings, events, engagements, and other commitments. Working closely with the Chief of Staff, the Presidential Aide coordinates high-level correspondence and communications; coordinates and tracks requests and reporting requirements from the California State University Chancellor’s Office and other entities; and supports presidential initiatives, special projects, and institutional priorities. The role requires discretion and independence, and routinely involves sensitive and confidential matters. Success requires exceptional organization and executive support skills, strong written and interpersonal communication, sound judgment, initiative, adaptability, and the ability to develop a sophisticated understanding of the President’s priorities, the University’s structure and operations, and its broader operating environment.

Requirements

Five years of progressively responsible work experience as a secretary, executive secretary, or staff assistant demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities; or a combination of education and experience demonstrating those qualifications.
Exceptional organization and executive support skills.
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
Sound judgment, initiative, and adaptability.
Ability to develop and maintain a sophisticated understanding of the President’s priorities, the University’s organizational structure and operations, and its broader operating environment.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience directly supporting a president, chief executive, vice president, cabinet-level administrator, elected official, or similarly senior organizational leader.
Experience working in higher education, government, public service, or another large and complex organization with multiple internal and external constituencies.

Responsibilities

Manage the President’s time, schedule, travel, meeting preparation, correspondence, and information flow.
Serve as the primary coordinator and gatekeeper of the President’s calendar, evaluating requests, setting priorities, anticipating needs, and resolving competing demands.
Coordinate all aspects of presidential travel.
Prepare the President for meetings, events, engagements, and other commitments.
Coordinate high-level correspondence and communications in collaboration with the Chief of Staff.
Coordinate and track requests and reporting requirements from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and other entities.
Support presidential initiatives, special projects, and institutional priorities.
Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and independence.