Executive Assistant

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking an Executive Assistant for the Division of Public Safety to support leadership, coordinate events, prepare communications, and manage complex administrative tasks. The role requires discretion, strong judgment, and the ability to navigate a fast-paced university environment.

The position reports to the Associate Vice President of Public Safety and involves interacting with multiple stakeholders, ensuring smooth operations and timely delivery of critical initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Significant executive‑level management and administrative support experience in an academic or professional office environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with multicultural interactions.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite for daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate effective interactions within and outside the division; prepare correspondences.
• Schedule meetings and coordinate events for leadership and teams.
• Work independently on projects from conception to completion with discretion.
• Support the division in emergencies and adapt to fast‑paced, high‑stake environments.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Multitasking

Independent work

Team collaboration

Discretion & confidentiality

Judgment & professionalism

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Division of Public Safety is looking for a go‑to powerhouse who keeps our fast‑moving team running at full speed. As the Executive Assistant, you’ll be the connector, the organizer, and the steady hand behind key projects, events, and leadership support. If you thrive in a busy environment, love solving problems, and bring positivity, discretion, and sharp judgment to everything you do, this role lets you make a real impact on the safety and success of the Virginia Tech community.

Job Description

The Public Safety Division has a critical role in supporting the well‑being of our community. Comprised of the Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, the Office of Emergency Management, Hokie Passport Services, and the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad, we are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors that maximizes everyone’s opportunity for success. Through collaboration, dedication, training, and community engagement, we strive to provide a comprehensive and responsive approach in our public safety programs. Our mission of advancing safety, security, health and preparedness is anchored by the Virginia Tech Principles of Community. These fundamental values; mutual respect, civility, and service, are foundational to our programs and are exemplified in our interactions with the campus community.

The Executive Assistant for the Division of Public Safety is responsible for complex administrative activities that support the smooth operations of the division. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Public Safety, general responsibilities include facilitating effective interactions within and outside the division, assisting in the preparation of correspondences, scheduling meetings, and coordinating events. The Executive Assistant also works independently on projects from conception to completion, responds to inquiries based on broad and deep knowledge of the division and university policies and programs, and with public safety committees, working groups and special assistance in the event of emergencies.

This position requires the ability to work independently to manage complex administrative responsibilities, resolve problems through thoughtful decision‑making, and maintain focus in a fast‑paced environment with numerous internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent must consistently demonstrate a courteous and professional demeanor while effectively navigating political protocols and etiquette. This highly visible role demands exceptional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in all communications to uphold the highest standards of propriety and integrity.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Business Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Education

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience

• Significant experience providing executive‑level management and administrative support in an academic or professional office environment.
• Experience that demonstrates professional communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all individuals in a multicultural environment.
• Experience drafting and editing correspondence, reports, and other documents in a professional and efficient manner, including strong proofreading skills.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and tact.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• The ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team atmosphere.
• The ability to work well under pressure to successfully manage a wide variety of activities.
• The ability to manage confidential and sensitive matters with the utmost professionalism and discretion.
• The ability to exercise sound, independent judgment in interpreting policies and procedures.
• Proficient with current office software such as MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Virginia Tech organizational structure, policies, procedures, and governance systems.
• Experience working with important external constituencies, such as legislators, and leaders in government, business, and the community.
• Experience working with safety and security protocols in a higher education office setting.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Anticipated starting salary is $75,000 - $80,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 5th, 2026

Additional Information

The selected finalist will be required to successfully complete a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Megan Hinkle at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.