Principal Assistant to the Vice President and Director of Athletics

Washington State University•Pullman, WA

3d•$4,509 - $6,763

About The Position

The Principal Assistant provides executive administrative support and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the Director of Athletics’ Office. The role manages executive scheduling and communications; coordinates meetings and events; maintains administrative procedures and records; facilitates internal and external relationships; and supports implementation of departmental initiatives. The position exercises independent judgment and discretion in prioritizing requests, resolving administrative issues, coordinating resources, and making commitments within delegated authority that affect departmental operations. It serves as a primary administrative contact for the VP/AD’s Office and coordinates with Athletics administrators, coaches, staff, university departments, donors, alumni, and community partners to facilitate communication and ensure timely completion of assigned responsibilities. Under the day-to-day direction of the CAO, the Principal Assistant maintains effective office systems, coordinates administrative activities, implements approved procedures, and identifies issues requiring additional guidance. The position handles confidential information and supports the efficient execution of executive office responsibilities, referring matters outside its delegated authority to the CAO or VP/AD as appropriate. This is a permanent, full-time (100% FTE), overtime-eligible position.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in business administration or another relevant field and four years of progressively responsible management work experience; relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Work experience demonstrating the ability to manage multiple tasks and make sound decisions.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience with Microsoft 365 products, specifically Outlook, Teams, Word, and Excel, as well as database systems and mainframe computer systems with administrative projects.
Experience working in higher education or an executive management setting.
Experience working in intercollegiate athletics.
Experience coordinating executive calendars, meetings, institutional communications, administrative projects, and confidential matters.
Familiarity with university administrative policies, travel, purchasing, budget processes, and records management.
Knowledge and understanding of applicable rules and regulations of the State of Washington, NCAA, and PAC-12 Conference.

Responsibilities

Provide executive administrative support and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Director of Athletics’ Office.
Manage executive scheduling and communications.
Coordinate meetings and events.
Maintain administrative procedures, records, and effective office systems.
Facilitate internal and external relationships and serve as a primary administrative contact for the VP/AD’s Office.
Coordinate with Athletics administrators, coaches, staff, university departments, donors, alumni, and community partners.
Support implementation of departmental initiatives and ensure timely completion of assigned responsibilities.
Prioritize requests, resolve administrative issues, coordinate resources, and make commitments within delegated authority using independent judgment and discretion.
Coordinate administrative activities and implement approved procedures under the day-to-day direction of the CAO.
Handle confidential information and refer matters outside delegated authority to the CAO or VP/AD.