Executive Assistant Job at Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Purdue Unive

Overview

Executive Assistant to the Department Head at Botany and Plant Pathology Department, Purdue University. The Executive Assistant serves as a trusted partner to the department head, providing high-level administrative support, overseeing daily operations, and leading the administrative staff team. This role coordinates data collection, research, and report preparation for university, Polytechnic Institute, regulatory, and accrediting requirements. The Executive Assistant is a go-to resource for faculty, staff, and students, helping resolve operational issues and ensuring smooth office procedures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate data collection, research, and report preparation for university, Polytechnic Institute, regulatory, and accrediting requirements.
• Manage the faculty promotion and tenure process.
• Serve as search coordinator for faculty and staff positions and assist with offer letters.
• Advise on policies, schedule meetings, organize catering, and represent the department head at select events.
• Calendar management, screening communications, and supervising student workers, office staff, and lower-level assistants involved in purchasing and graduate program coordination.
• Foster a welcoming environment, mentor colleagues, support fiscal stewardship, and drive operational excellence throughout the office.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 0 to 1 year of experience in a senior or lead administrative support role or equivalent experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions, balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Computer and related software skills to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, Teams, etc.
• Collaborating and communicating to build relationships with individuals at all levels within and external to the university to support department needs.
• Interpreting policies and procedures to proactively resolve issues.
• Ability to identify problems, generate ideas for improvement, and implement or recommend solutions.
• Use discretion and independent judgment to make sound decisions balancing facts, priorities, and possible outcomes.
• Judgment on when to involve the senior leader or Executive, when to resolve issues independently, or when to engage others.

What You Should Know

• All new hires will be expected to follow Protect Purdue.
• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
• A background check will be required for employment in this position.
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime).
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period.
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days.

Work Location

West Lafayette, IN

What Sets Us Apart

This school was recently formed by unifying the Departments of Computer Graphics Technology and Computer and Information Technology and blends technical excellence and creative innovation under one roof. The multidisciplinary approach prepares students to address real-world challenges at the intersection of computing, design, and applied technology.

EO/EA

Purdue University is an EO/EA employer.