Executive Secretary

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement contributions

Job summary

Lehigh University seeks an Executive Secretary for the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations in Bethlehem. The role centers on high-level administration, calendar control, and confidential coordination with donors, alumni, and university leadership.

Responsibilities include managing calendars, arranging domestic and international travel, preparing briefing materials, and leading complex projects with discretion and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of work-related experience in executive support.
• Experience providing executive-level administrative support in a complex, relationship-driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with calendar and productivity tools.

Responsibilities

• Managing complex, high-volume calendars and scheduling meetings across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Coordinating domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries and logistics.
• Anticipating the VP's needs and communicating deadlines proactively.
• Leading large administrative projects from conception to completion.
• Drafting, reviewing, and distributing correspondence for the VP.
• Serving as a primary contact for donors, alumni, and university leadership.
• Preparing agendas and briefing materials for meetings and events.
• Maintaining filing systems and records per university policies.

Skills

Executive support

Calendar management

Communication

Organization

Prioritization

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates or Vocational/Technical Degree preferred

Tools

Calendar software

Productivity tools

Job description

Job no: 504028

Work type: Nonexempt Staff Full-time

Location: Bethlehem

Categories: Administrative Services

Lehigh University's Division of Development and Alumni Relations is the engine behind one of the most engaged alumni communities in higher education. As Executive Secretary to the Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, you'll be at the center of it all, keeping a senior leader and a high-performing team moving with precision, professionalism, and purpose.

Position Number: S77600

This position is a Grade: 8 - 37.5 with an approximate salary range of $44,600-$53,530 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing complex, high-volume calendars and scheduling meetings across multiple stakeholder groups
• Coordinating domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries, accommodations, and logistics
• Anticipating the VP's needs and proactively identifying and communicating deadlines before they become urgent
• Leading large, complex administrative projects independently from conception through to completion
• Drafting, reviewing, and distributing correspondence and communications on behalf of the Vice President
• Serving as a primary point of contact for donors, alumni, university leadership, and external partners
• Preparing agendas, briefing materials, and supporting documents for meetings and events
• Maintaining organised filing systems and records in accordance with university policies
• Coordinating with other administrative staff across the division to ensure seamless office operations
• Handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound professional judgment

What You Bring

• High School Diploma or GED; Associate's or Vocational/Technical Degree preferred
• Three to five years of work related experience
• Demonstrated experience providing executive-level administrative support in a complex, relationship-driven environment
• Exceptional organizational skills with a track record of managing competing priorities without losing detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including drafting correspondence for senior leadership
• Proficiency with calendar and productivity tools; familiarity with higher education or advancement operations is a genuine advantage at Lehigh
• A service-oriented approach that reflects the collaborative, donor-focused culture of Lehigh's advancement division
• Ability to work independently on projects requiring initiative, discretion and follow-through

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University offers generous paid leave, above-market retirement contributions, and tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents — all on a campus that genuinely invests in its people. The Development and Alumni Relations team is united by a shared commitment to Lehigh's mission and the alumni community who champion it. Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Advertised: September 09, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Open until filled