Sr. Administrative Assistant- AZ- Professional Engagement and Development- Arizona College of

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Sr. Administrative Assistant to coordinate continuing education programs and student career development at the Arizona College of Optometry. The ideal candidate will manage event logistics, collaborate with partners, and ensure well-organized programs.

This role requires strong organizational and communication skills, along with a high school diploma or GED and relevant experience in administrative support. The position may involve occasional evenings or weekends.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in administrative support and event planning.
• Preferred experience in healthcare or professional education.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate CE events and logistics.
• Support planning of student career development programming.
• Maintain records and track participation metrics.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree

Job description

Summary

The Arizona College of Optometry is seeking a highly organized and proactive Sr. Administrative Assistant to coordinate programs and events that support continuing education (CE), student career development, faculty engagement, admissions initiatives, and alumni relations. This role requires consistent follow‑through, overseeing event logistics, collaborating with internal and external partners, and ensuring all programs are well‑organized, professional, and effectively coordinated. The position may require occasional evenings or weekends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate CE events (virtual and in‑person), including speaker outreach, logistics, registration, and follow‑up.
• Work with the College continuing education committee to coordinate and execute event ideas and projects.
• Serve as administrator for the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry CE tracking and compliance.
• Support planning of student career development programming, including the annual career fair.
• Coordinate admissions‑related events (e.g., open houses, pre‑optometry programs) and alumni engagement initiatives.
• Identify and coordinate external speakers and resources for faculty development initiatives.
• Coordinate event communications and promotional efforts, including social media.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and assist in coordinating internal and external community events in collaboration with the marketing department, including high school career days and community outreach activities.
• Coordinate event logistics, including facilities, catering, audiovisual needs, and materials.
• Maintain records and track participation and engagement metrics.
• Ensure programs and events are executed in a professional and organized manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A high school diploma or GED and 3–5 years of experience in administrative support, program coordination, event planning, or a related field are required. Experience in healthcare or professional education environments is preferred. One year’s certificate from college or technical school and/or an Associate’s degree and 5–7 years of relevant working experience is desirable. Familiarity with continuing education (CE) programs or compliance requirements; experience collaborating with external partners, alumni, or industry stakeholders; and experience with social media or event promotion is preferred. Must have the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines while applying strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to follow through on responsibilities with minimal oversight, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly learn new systems.

Computer Skills

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Language Skills

Intermediate skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

Reasoning Ability

Intermediate skills: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender expressions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, age, disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke‑Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36‑601.01) and the Smoke‑Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Applicant Rights

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the "Know Your Rights" notice from the Department of Labor.