Executive Assistant to the Dean (f/m/d)

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management; Düsseldorf; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diverse international environment

Flexible working hours including home‑

Career development opportunities

Flat hierarchies and fast decision‑mak

Social benefits

Job summary

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management seeks a strategic associate to work directly with the Dean on key priorities. You will turn ambiguous questions into structured analyses and compelling executive presentations, collaborating closely with the Dean to understand objectives and audience.

The role includes driving analyses, preparing materials, and supporting decision-making across strategic topics. You will design WHU’s future fundraising approach in collaboration with the Dean and related

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in strategy consulting or a similarly demanding analytical and project-based environment.
• Exceptional analytical ability and the capacity to understand unfamiliar topics quickly.
• Strong structured problem-solving skills and confidence working with ambiguity.
• Outstanding PowerPoint skills, including the ability to develop the storyline and communicate complex ideas clearly.
• Ability to quickly understand organizational structures, processes, and ways of working, and to navigate them effectively.

Responsibilities

• Structure complex strategic questions, including early-stage topics that are not yet fully defined.
• Independently conduct analyses and develop options and recommendations.
• Create clear, persuasive presentations, briefings and decision materials.
• Capture the implications of discussions and independently drive analysis and follow-up.
• Challenge assumptions and propose alternative perspectives, storylines and approaches.
• Coordinate input from internal and external stakeholders without relying on formal authority.
• Prepare and attend selected meetings and workshops with the Dean and other stakeholders.
• Support strategic initiatives from the initial question through decision-making and early implementation.
• Build a close understanding of the Dean’s priorities and ways of working, enabling you to anticipate questions and identify what is needed next.
• Move between strategic assignments as the school’s priorities evolve.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical ability

Structured problem-solving

PowerPoint

Stakeholder mgmt

Independent work

Communication skills

English proficiency

German desirable

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

You will work directly with the Dean on a small number of WHU’s most important strategic priorities. These assignments will evolve as the school’s needs change, typically giving you the opportunity to engage deeply with a new strategic topic every six to twelve months.

You will help turn complex and initially ambiguous questions into structured analysis, clear recommendations and compelling executive-level presentations. You will work closely with the Dean to understand the objective, institutional context and intended audience while contributing your own judgment, ideas and constructive challenge.

You will independently drive analysis and follow-up, develop materials for decisions and communication, and prepare and attend selected meetings. You will be expected to take early ideas or open questions, give them structure and advance them in close exchange with the Dean. The role may also include supporting selected internal committees and decision-making processes, including preparing meetings, documenting outcomes and coordinating follow-up.

An initial priority will be to help design WHU’s future approach to fundraising, working closely with the Dean and the relevant departments and colleagues involved in fundraising and donor relations. This will involve developing the underlying strategy and operating model, drawing on existing expertise and experience, rather than managing fundraising activities or donor relationships.

This position is initially a one-year fixed-term contract with the potential to become extended or permanent.

General information

You will work directly with the Dean on a small number of WHU’s most important strategic priorities. These assignments will evolve as the school’s needs change, typically giving you the opportunity to engage deeply with a new strategic topic every six to twelve months.

You will help turn complex and initially ambiguous questions into structured analysis, clear recommendations and compelling executive-level presentations. You will work closely with the Dean to understand the objective, institutional context and intended audience while contributing your own judgment, ideas and constructive challenge.

You will independently drive analysis and follow-up, develop materials for decisions and communication, and prepare and attend selected meetings. You will be expected to take early ideas or open questions, give them structure and advance them in close exchange with the Dean. The role may also include supporting selected internal committees and decision-making processes, including preparing meetings, documenting outcomes and coordinating follow-up.

An initial priority will be to help design WHU’s future approach to fundraising, working closely with the Dean and the relevant departments and colleagues involved in fundraising and donor relations. This will involve developing the underlying strategy and operating model, drawing on existing expertise and experience, rather than managing fundraising activities or donor relationships.

This position is initially a one-year fixed-term contract with the potential to become extended or permanent.

Your mission

• Structure complex strategic questions, including early-stage topics that are not yet fully defined.
• Independently conduct analyses and develop options and recommendations
• Create clear, persuasive presentations, briefings and decision materials
• Capture the implications of discussions and independently drive analysis and follow-up
• Challenge assumptions and propose alternative perspectives, storylines and approaches
• Coordinate input from internal and external stakeholders without relying on formal authority
• Prepare and attend selected meetings and workshops with the Dean and other stakeholders
• Support strategic initiatives from the initial question through decision-making and early implementation
• Build a close understanding of the Dean’s priorities and ways of working, enabling you to anticipate questions and identify what is needed next
• Move between strategic assignments as the school’s priorities evolve

Your profile

• Several years of experience in strategy consulting or a similarly demanding analytical and project-based environment
• Exceptional analytical ability and the capacity to understand unfamiliar topics quickly
• Strong structured problem-solving skills and confidence working with ambiguity
• Outstanding PowerPoint skills, including the ability to develop the storyline and communicate complex ideas clearly – not simply format slides
• Ability to quickly understand organizational structures, processes, and ways of working, and to navigate them effectively.
• Excellent judgment and the confidence to challenge ideas constructively
• A high degree of intellectual curiosity, ownership and reliability
• Ability to work independently while incorporating the Dean’s perspective and feedback
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive institutional matters
• Excellent written and spoken English; German skills are desirable

What makes this role distinctive

This position offers unusually close exposure to the strategic leadership of a leading business school. You will work directly with the Dean, contribute to decisions across changing strategic topics, and see your analysis and ideas translated into institutional action.

The role is particularly suited to someone (f/m/d) who has developed strong analytical and presentation skills in consulting and is now looking for greater proximity to decision-making, broader ownership and the opportunity to help shape an institution over time.

What we offer

• A diverse and international working environment
• An open-minded, supportive, and motivated team
• Opportunities to actively contribute to the school’s development
• Flat hierarchies and fast decision-making processes
• Attractive skill development and training offerings
• Flexible working time models, including home office option
• Exclusive company-sponsored social benefits
• Ecofriendly mobility offers (e.g., JobTicket, JobRad, e-mobility)
• Various fitness and health activities

WHU is an equal opportunity employer and thus welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds. We believe in the benefits of diversity and therefore foster an international, inclusive, and inspiring working environment.

Contact

For questions please contact:

Kerstin Nicolai

Personal Assistant to the Dean

email: [e-mail]

About us

As one of Germany’s top private business schools, WHU is consistently ranked among Europe’s finest. Since its inception in 1984, we have driven excellence and entrepreneurial thinking, producing innovative research that steers progress for all areas of society and industry. At both the Vallendar and Düsseldorf campuses, we empower leaders to become responsible changemakers, guided by integrity, diversity, and strengthened by a deep sense of togetherness.