Department Secretary

University of Victoria; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 59,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department Secretary at the University of Victoria provides senior-level administrative support to the Ceremonies and Events Office and coordinates day-to-day activities, event support, and general office administration. It acts as a central liaison to central services and handles communications for the Board and governance bodies.

Regular hours are 8:30 am–4:30 pm, with events potentially requiring early starts, evenings, or weekends.

Qualifications

• This role requires a minimum of 3 years in a senior administrative assistant position.
• Post-secondary experience or equivalent education is preferred.
• Experience with UVic information systems (FAST, Chrome River, Cascade, Banner).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information.
• Excellent calendar, meeting coordination, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day activities for the Ceremonies and Events Office.
• Serve as liaison to central services (Purchasing, Facilities, Campus Security, University Systems).
• Coordinate on-site events, including government announcements and visits.
• Produce department communications and updates for governance bodies.
• Support financial and related accounting tasks as needed.

Skills

Diversity & inclusion

Lead and influence staff

Organizational skills

Administrative excellence

Communication skills

Writing & editing

Confidentiality

Independent work

Deadline management

Event coordination

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

SharePoint

Zoom

Teams

Outlook Calendar

Job description

Organizational Unit

University of Victoria -> VP External Relations -> Community and Government Relations

Location

University of Victoria - Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 CA (Primary)

Posting Close Date

8 November 2026

Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.

FTE

1.0

Salary Grade

$5,244.00 - $5,583.00

Additional Posting Information

N/A

Salary posted will be pro-rated based on FTE and achieved as per the collective agreement, if applicable.

Classification

Hours of Work

Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Employee Group:

CUPE 951 - Regular

# of Hires Needed

1

Category

Administrative and Support Services

About this Opportunity

The University of Victoria is one of Victoria's largest employers and one of Canada’s best diversity employers. Together we are more than 5,000 dedicated faculty, librarians and staff supporting the University of Victoria’s diverse academic programs, world-class research and commitment to civic engagement.

*This position is eligible for a hybrid flex arrangement*

Job Summary

The Department Secretary provides senior level administrative support to the Ceremonies and Events Office and holds responsibility for its smooth operation. This position acts as a central point of contact and liaison to central services (Purchasing Services, Facilities Management, Campus Security, University Systems) and is responsible for the coordination of day-to-day activities, event support and general office administration, financial and related accounting responsibilities. Duties also include department communications providing event and department updates for the Board of Governors, Senate, the President and other Executive offices.

This position provides event support and on-site coordination for government announcements, official visits, and other events. Regular work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm; however, events and ceremonies may take place between 7 am and 11 pm, including on weekends. The position must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Job Requirements

Experience:

This position requires a level of education, training and experience equivalent to a minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a senior administrative assistant role, preferably in a post-secondary academic setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Related work experience should include:

• Interpreting and/or applying policy and procedures
• Supporting events

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Experience with UVic information systems (FAST, Chrome River, Cascade, Banner)
• Experience with university policy, procedures and governance structure

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Ability to lead and influence support staff.
• Superior organizational skills including attention to detail, time management and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional administrative skills including meeting and calendar coordination.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to relate well and work effectively within a team environment, as well as the larger UVic community and external agencies.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Experience in effectively maintaining the confidentiality of highly personal and sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and resolve tasks and/or problems by exercising judgment and innovation and employing critical thinking and/or analysis.
• Ability to prioritize a large workload, identify solutions, work under pressure and meet strict and often emergent deadlines.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Zoom, Teams, Outlook Calendar and the ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
• Ability to move, lift and carry up to 45 lbs of equipment and materials for events

Territory Acknowledgement:

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Equity Statement:

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups .

Accessibility Statement:

If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: [e-mail] Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.