Assistant to the Dean

Winthrop University; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Winthrop University is seeking an Assistant to the Dean for the Graduate, Continuing and Online Education (SGCO). The role provides operational support for graduate programs, budgeting, scheduling and event planning across multiple departments.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree plus administrative experience, with preferred mastery of MS Office and Ellucian Banner. Strong communication, organization and liaison skills are essential for success in this busy academic office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of administrative experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Ellucian Banner software.
• Knowledge of office management and higher education operations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with faculty and administrative units to coordinate graduate programs and related activities.
• Serves as a liaison to departments, staff, students and external partners to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance with policies.
• Lead planning and execution of programs, events and engagement initiatives to support recruitment, retention and student success.

Skills

Office management

Higher education operations

Customer service

Event planning

Oral and written communication

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Liaison with departments

Technical proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Ellucian Banner software

Job description

Reporting to the Dean of Graduate, Continuing and Online Education ( SGCO ), the Assistant to the Dean provides operational support for the school’s programs, activities and events.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and one year of responsible administrative experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or work toward a master’s degree.
• Three years of relevant experience in higher education.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Ellucian Banner software.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Summary

• Knowledge of office management and higher education operations.
• Exceptional customer service and event-planning skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the general public.
• Ability and willingness to become knowledgeable enough about the university’s graduate and continuing education programs to serve as a liaison to other campus groups/departments and external institutions and constituencies.
• Sufficient technical expertise to master software required to perform job duties.

Job Summary

Graduate Student Services, Budgeting and Academic Operations

• Collaborates with faculty and administrative units across the university, including Financial Aid, Records and Registration, the Business Center, Human Resources and external vendors to coordinate and enhance processes related to graduate assistantships, scholarships, travel awards and thesis completion.
• Serves as a liaison to academic departments, administrative offices and students to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance with university policies and procedures.

Student Engagement, Outreach and Special Events

• Leads the development, planning and execution of programs, events and engagement initiatives that support SGCO recruitment, retention, student success, alumni engagement and advancement efforts.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community partners and university offices to create meaningful experiences that strengthen connections among graduate, adult, online and continuing education students and advance the mission of SGCO .

Administrative Operations and Resource Management

• Coordinates administrative operations, resource management and strategic communications activities.
• Develops and disseminates communications.
• Maintains official records and documentation to support operational effectiveness, institutional assessment, accreditation and compliance.
• Ensures timely payment of CBE faculty.
• Partners with the Business Center and other university offices to support procurement, purchasing, operational planning and administrative processes.
• Oversees office operations, technology resources, equipment and supplies to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Identifies opportunities to improve workflows, enhance operational efficiency and support the strategic priorities.

Academic Governance and Executive Administration

• Serves as the primary administrative coordinator and provides executive support to the Dean.
• Coordinates the activities of the Graduate Council, Dean’s Council, UGAC , advisory boards and other committees, councils and strategic initiatives led by the Dean.
• Prepares and distributes agendas and supporting materials, documents proceedings, maintains official records, and facilitates communication among committee members.
• Manages and maintains the SGCO and Dean’s calendars, ensuring effective scheduling, coordination and prioritization of meetings, events and strategic activities.

Summer Session and Continuing Education Operations

• Coordinates operational support for undergraduate and graduate summer sessions and continuing education activities at offsite learning centers.
• Collaborates with faculty, academic departments, Records and Registration and campus partners to support program development, scheduling, enrollment planning and implementation of continuing education, certificate, workforce development and other academic programs.
• Provides administrative support to the Dean in advancing strategic initiatives related to summer programming and the expansion of non-credit educational opportunities.
• Provides administrative and project support for strategic initiatives, emerging priorities and special projects that advance SGCO goals.

Travel/Overtime Requirements

Travel/Overtime Requirements Occasional evening and weekend hours.

Telecommuting

Employees are not eligible for telecommuting/remote work during their 12-month probationary period. After that time, certain positions may be eligible for telecommuting/remote work at the discretion of the supervisor and in accordance with Winthrop policies.

License/Certification

Type of Position

Type of Position Classified

Position Status

Position Status Full-Time

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours Per Week 37.5

Months per Year 12

Notice

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Describe in detail your experience managing budgets and maintaining financial records.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * List the software programs with which you consider yourself proficient.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * List the types of written communications you have created/prepared for distribution.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your experience in coordinating events, including the type of event, number of attendees, and your specific duties.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Provide an example of a time you went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service.

  (Open Ended Question)