Senior Administrative Assistant- Research Centers

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University West Lafayette is seeking a Senior Administrative Assistant to support the College of Liberal Arts Office of Research, including PAIR. You will coordinate meetings, events, communications, and day-to-day program activities that connect faculty, students, collaborators, and guests around research and scholarly engagement.

Reporting to the Director of Research Operations, you will help manage calendars, purchasing, travel arrangements, and administrative needs, while upholding

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in an administrative support role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions, balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and use University systems and other administrative technology.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels within and external to the university to support department needs.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures to proactively resolve issues or improve processes.
• Ability to identify problems and implement or recommend solutions.
• Drafting, proofreading and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative support to CLA research centers, programs, and faculty directors.
• Assist with meetings and events, including scheduling, room reservations, setup, catering, materials, and other logistical needs.
• Maintain calendars, schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and assemble supporting materials.
• Manage general communications, correspondence, reports, presentations, and promotional materials.
• Support website updates and help maintain accurate, timely program information.
• Coordinate purchasing and assist with financial records and budget-related activities as needed.
• Handle non-routine questions, requests, and administrative issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Support special projects, information gathering, and other operational needs.
• Serve as a liaison with College and University offices to coordinate resources and processes.
• Help maintain efficient administrative practices that support faculty, research, and program goals.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

MS Office

University systems

Collaboration

Policies & procedures

Problem solving

Drafting/editing

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Senior Administrative Assistant- Research Centers

City: West Lafayette

Job Summary

At Purdue University, your organizational expertise can help turn ideas into impact. As a Senior Administrative Assistant supporting the College of Liberal Arts Office of Research, you will provide high-level administrative and operational support for research programs, centers, and initiatives across the College including support for meetings, events, communications, and day-to-day program activities that bring faculty, students, collaborators, and guests together around research and scholarly engagement.

This position also will provide dedicated support for the Program on American Institutional Renewal (PAIR), working directly with Co-Directors Dr. Crosson and Dr. Strother to assist with scheduling, events, purchasing, travel arrangements, and other administrative needs.

Reporting to the Director of Research Operations, you will serve as a trusted resource for faculty directors and research teams, coordinating logistics, communications, purchasing, events, and day-to-day operations. This role offers the opportunity to build your path at Purdue while contributing to meaningful research and collaborating across the College.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide high-level administrative support to CLA research centers, programs, and faculty directors.
• Assist with meetings and events, including scheduling, room reservations, setup, catering, materials, and other logistical needs.
• Maintain calendars, schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and assemble supporting materials.
• Manage general communications, correspondence, reports, presentations, and promotional materials.
• Support website updates and help maintain accurate, timely program information.
• Coordinate purchasing and assist with financial records and budget-related activities as needed.
• Handle non-routine questions, requests, and administrative issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Support special projects, information gathering, and other operational needs.
• Serve as a liaison with College and University offices to coordinate resources and processes.
• Help maintain efficient administrative practices that support faculty, research, and program goals.

What Sets Us Apart

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, faculty support, and university operations. You'll support initiatives that advance scholarship while building relationships across Purdue and gaining broad experience within the College of Liberal Arts.

What We're Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Three years of experience in an administrative support role.

Skills Needed:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions, balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn and use University systems and other administrative technology.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels within and external to the university to support department needs.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures to proactively resolve issues or improve processes.
• Ability to identify problems and implement or recommend solutions.
• Drafting, proofreading and editing skills.

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue's benefits summaryCLICK HERE
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (EligibleForOvertime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 3

Pay Band S045 Job Code #20002331

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

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