Executive Assistant

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid leave

Professional training opportunities

Job summary

A global higher education leader in Chapel Hill seeks an Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support to Graduate School leadership. The role involves managing calendars, travel coordination, and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. Ideal candidates will possess strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to handling confidentiality. The position offers a competitive salary range of $40,000-$66,000 and benefits including professional training opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of administrative/office management experience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative support to Graduate School leadership.
• Manage calendars, travel coordination, and office operations.
• Develop and maintain event plans and monitor budgets.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication abilities

Discretion in handling confidential information

Problem-solving abilities

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Associate’s degree in secretarial science or business administration

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related discipline

Job description

Executive Assistant - Journey

Department: Grad School-390100

Career Area: Administrative/Clerical Support

Is this an internal only recruitment?: No

Posting Open Date: 02/13/2026

Application Deadline: 02/20/2026

Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Salary Grade Equivalent: NC12 / GN10

Working Title: Executive Assistant

Position Number: 20074622

Vacancy ID: P020799

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent

Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule: M-F, 8am-5pm

Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: $40,000-$66,000

Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

Through research, teaching and public service, graduate education creates knowledge that leads to innovative solutions to address critical societal needs. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers more than 80 programs that grant more than 160 graduate degrees and graduate students make up nearly 30% of enrolled students at UNC-Chapel Hill. The Graduate School of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides leadership to envision, shape and support the highest quality education for a diverse community of graduate students whose contributions will have global impact. Drawing on best practices gleaned from graduate educators throughout the country, The Graduate School models the inclusive and equitable policies and practices that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill strives to instill in every unit, department, and program at this great University. The Graduate School supports graduate students in almost every program across the Carolina campus and serves students from admission through graduation. We provide financial support (e.g. interdisciplinary fellowships, tuition support, travel awards, and research supplements), career and professional development (e.g. in pedagogy, leadership, communication, grant writing), diversity and student success programming, academic program support, and advocacy to students, faculty, staff, and graduate programs. The Graduate School also provides individual students with services tailored to meet their needs.

Position Summary

The Executive Assistant position in The Graduate School plays a vital role in providing high-level administrative support to Graduate School leadership and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional with exceptional organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and the discretion to handle confidential information. The Executive Assistant supports the leadership team with routine administrative functions as well as special projects and initiatives. Responsibilities include gathering information, compiling data, and preparing reports or presentations as needed. General administrative support encompasses calendar management, travel coordination, office operations, and other duties as assigned. This position also provides comprehensive administrative coordination for events across all Graduate School functional areas. In collaboration with leadership and functional unit teams, the Executive Assistant develops and maintains event plans, monitors event budgets, and works closely with the Finance and Operations team to ensure accurate and timely payments. The role includes developing and maintaining an annual master schedule of all Graduate School student events, identifying opportunities for efficiency and cross-functional collaboration. In addition to centralized planning, the Executive Assistant provides direct support for conferences and events, including venue booking, logistical coordination, catering and materials orders/errands, and pre- and day-of-event support. The Executive Assistant provides on-site administrative support at the Graduate Student Center to ensure the efficient operation of this event facility, as well as on-site support in Graduate School administrative offices as needed. The role requires building and maintaining effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners, serving as a primary point of contact and liaison across departments and stakeholders. The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Associate Dean for Administration.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency and three years of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience;
• Associate’s degree in secretarial science, business administration, or a related discipline and one year of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience;
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline;
• or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, for efficient, effective and respectful communication.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in all work.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

Position/Schedule Requirements

• Evening work occasionally
• Weekend work occasionally