Executive Assistant to the Dean

Northeastern University; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Tuition assistance

Wellness program

Commuting options

Job summary

Northeastern University School of Law in Newton, MA seeks an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high‑level support to the Dean and manage the Office of the Dean’s daily operations. You will coordinate complex calendars, travel, and events, supervise student workers, and help develop office policies to ensure a professional, efficient environment for faculty, students, alumni, and visitors.

This role requires discretion, strong judgment, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 5 years of related experience; higher education preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail under deadline pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with discretion and confidentiality.
• Proactive with initiative and reliable follow-through on tasks.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Dean’s calendar and coordinate complex schedules and travel.
• Provide high-level administrative support and executive correspondence.
• Oversee office operations, staff support, and reception duties.
• Support projects and events sponsored by the Office of the Dean.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication skills

Discretion

Calendar management

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Opportunity

The School of Law seeks an experienced Executive Assistant (EA) to provide high-level administrative support to the Dean and to manage the daily operations of the Office of the Dean. The EA serves as the primary point of contact for the Office of the Dean and is responsible for coordinating the Dean’s calendar and commitments, overseeing office operations and staff support, and assisting with projects and events sponsored by the Office of the Dean. The role ensures the office functions efficiently and provides a professional and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and visitors.

This position requires professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, complex environment. The EA demonstrates strong attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to prioritize tasks in support of multiple ongoing responsibilities. The EA anticipates needs, adapts effectively to change, and communicates clearly and respectfully in support of the Dean and the broader goals of the School of Law.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience, preferably in a higher education setting and supporting upper management.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and work effectively and efficiently with multiple deadline pressures while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain confidentiality, understand complex material and communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences. Individual must also demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and provide consistent follow-through on tasks independently.
• Experience managing complex calendars, preferably in a national and/or global setting.
• Demonstrated computer literacy, including advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook et al.) Expertise with program management tools preferred.
• Management experience with demonstrated ability in delegating tasks or responsibilities Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exhibiting good judgement and discretion at all times.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Executive Support (40%)

• Assess and prioritize incoming requests, using sound judgment to determine the appropriate response, referral, or action aligned with the Dean’s style and University policies.
• Design and produce complex documents, reports, presentations; collect and prepare information for meetings with internal and external stakeholders; compose and prepare executive-level correspondence.
• Manage and coordinate the Dean’s calendar, using independent judgment to prioritize requests and resolve conflicts.
• Coordinate and manage the Dean’s executive’s domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries, accommodations, and transportation, and process related expenses and expense reports

Office & Operations Management (40%)

• Oversee daily operations and front-desk reception for the Office of the Dean, including mail distribution, access management, and supplies management; support administrative workflows; and submit and track facilities work orders to ensure timely resolution.
• Ensure the Office of the Dean and its conference room remain clean, organized, and presentable for visitors, meetings, and events, and manage conference room reservations, set-up, and logistics.
• Supervise, train, and schedule student workers and front-desk staff, fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment and ensuring adequate coverage and accountability for assigned tasks.
• Evaluate and assist in developing office policies and procedures for improved workflow and anticipate future needs as organization evolves

Projects & Events (10%)

• Execute meetings, receptions, retreats, and other events sponsored or supported by the Office of the Dean, including research and data gathering as needed.
• Ensure projects and initiatives are executed accurately, on time, and with appropriate follow-through.

Communication & Relationship Management (10%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Office of the Dean, responding to and directing inquiries, managing sensitive communications, and ensuring correspondence is handled promptly and accurately.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, University leadership, and external constituents, reflecting the professionalism and values of the School of Law in all interactions.
• Coordinate the flow of information between the Dean and key stakeholders, ensuring messages are communicated clearly, issues are addressed or elevated appropriately, and follow‑up actions are completed in a timely manner.

Position Type

General Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

108S

Expected Hiring Range:

$60,315.00 - $85,192.50

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Northeastern University will not provide H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, or any other type of employment visa sponsorship for the successful applicant to this position, now or in the future. Furthermore, the successful applicant must be able to maintain valid work authorization in the United States throughout the entire appointment without Northeastern University’s sponsorship for a visa.