Senior Executive Assistant & Events Manager

University of New Hampshire

2d•$20 - $33

About The Position

The Executive Assistant & Events Coordinator provides high-level administrative and organizational support to the Director of the Carsey School of Public Policy and assists the Associate Director as needed. This role serves as a key partner in managing the Director’s daily operations, including complex calendar management, meeting coordination, communications support, and administrative priorities. The position requires strong judgment, professionalism, and discretion when working with confidential information and interacting with faculty, staff, students, and external partners. The Executive Assistant helps ensure the Director’s time and priorities are well managed and supports the coordination of meetings, correspondence, and internal UNH communications. This role also serves as the primary coordinator for some School events and public programs. The Executive Assistant & Events Coordinator takes ownership of planning and executing lectures, convenings, and other events, working closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to manage logistics, timelines, and event communications. The position also supports daily office operations and administrative processes that contribute to an organized and effective workplace. This role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic environment. Prior experience in an academic setting and experience coordinating events or programs are desirable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field preferred.
Five (5) years of high-level executive support experience in fast-paced environments (higher education, nonprofit, or similar preferred).
Equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered.
Demonstrated ability to anticipate the needs of senior leadership while providing strategic support to advance organizational and academic priorities.
Proven experience managing complex executive calendars and competing priorities with sound judgment and discretion.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced academic or research environment.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated success collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including drafting executive correspondence, preparing polished presentations, and developing reports that synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information.
Proven experience coordinating complex events and meetings, including logistics, communications, and stakeholder follow-up.
Knowledge of office management best practices, with the ability to streamline procedures, improve operations, and support effective onboarding.
Experience preparing fundraising proposals or managing grant-related processes, including familiarity with funding lifecycles, compliance, deadlines, and recordkeeping.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and demonstrated experience using collaboration platforms such as MS Teams and Zoom.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in an academic setting and experience coordinating events or programs are desirable.
Experience in higher education administration, particularly in supporting graduate-level academic programs, strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for the Director and Associate Director for internal and external constituents, maintaining professionalism and discretion in managing sensitive information and communication.
Independently manage Director-assigned projects and liaise with stakeholders to deliver results
Provide comprehensive support for graduate-level academic programs, manage day-to-day operations while conducting analysis, evaluation, and offering strategic guidance to ensure alignment with the Director’s priorities and program excellence.
Perform complex operational, sensitive, and administrative tasks for the Director with a high degree of judgment and confidentiality.
Act as the primary point of contact for the Director’s calendar: schedule and prioritize meetings, coordinate schedules, minimize conflicts, and reduce unnecessary commitments.
Coordinate complex scheduling and communications in collaboration with other executive assistants.
Provide high-level support to senior leadership and senior-level directors as needed.
Attend meetings at the request and on behalf of the Director and Associate Director, serving as their representative and ensuring follow-up on key actions.
Make decisions, represent, and sign on behalf of leadership when appropriate.
Conduct research and analysis to inform leadership decisions and provide insight and perspective on key subjects and audiences.
Anticipate, draft, proof and edit materials for Director’s correspondence, appointments, meetings, and presentations.
Develop clear, accurate, and executive-ready reports to support decision-making.
Prepare agenda, schedule, create presentation materials, and record minutes for recurring meetings to include, but not limited to Staff Meetings, Advisory Board Meetings, Academic Planning Meetings, and Executive Committee Meetings.
Track follow-up items for senior leadership and above to ensure completion.
Drive strategic improvements in office operations by streamlining processes, strengthening internal communications, and leading change initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency and staff effectiveness.
Oversee day-to-day operations of the front desk to ensure a welcoming and professional environment.
Ensure smooth operations of the Carsey office to include maintaining office space, updating internal documentation, and monitoring office protocols.
Manage supplies, inventory and vendor relationships to support office functionality.
Support general office needs and requests as required to ensure high-quality customer service to students, staff and guests.
Communicate office issues, updates, and reminders to staff.
Manage new employee onboarding in coordination with supervisors.
Lead and manage event management processes, including marketing, setup, space reservations, technology needs, catering, and communications, working closely with the Carsey Communications Team.
Provide administrative and operational support for a range of events to include major School events, public lectures, academic program events, workshops, alumni and fundraising events, Advisory Board meetings, staff retreats, and internal celebrations.
Attend event-related meetings as needed and prepare/assemble materials for events.
Maintain the Carsey event calendar in collaboration with leadership and program directors.
Supervise staff, volunteers, non-exempt and student employees who are brought in to assist with events.