Temporary Executive Assistant

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern University is seeking a temporary Full‑time Executive Assistant to support the Evanston campus. The role manages the Dean's calendar, communications, events, and travel, while maintaining strict confidentiality and coordinating with the Development Office.

The position requires excellent writing, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. It includes 37.5 hours/week, with a start date in mid-October and end date in late November.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Strong writing skills.
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Diligent and can work independently.
• Experience working with confidential information.
• Professionalism.
• Flexibility, adaptability in a fast paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Dean's calendar, deciding on appointments to balance conflicting priorities. Proactively informs the Dean of upcoming events and deadlines, so as to manage the Dean's projects and workflow. Screens all meeting requests, determining priorities. Ensures that comprehensive briefing materials are created and provided in advance of events and meetings. Coordinates activities with the Development Office. 25% E
• Serves as Dean's internal/external representative as necessary to build and maintain local, national, and international relationships and facilitate flow of work, while maintaining confidentiality. Executes administrative responsibilities related to faculty recruitment, retention and retirement matters. Responds to unanticipated and complex issues. 20% E
• Manages communication between the Dean and various constituents. Oversees Dean's written materials and reports, as well as various types of electronic communications.15%
• Conceptualizes and organizes Dean's office and other special school events, which require a knowledge and sensitivity to issues, cultures, protocol, etc. Also makes catering and venue arrangements. 15% E
• Based on analysis and research, ensures creation of all necessary documents, which may include drafting proposals, presentations, etc. Develops and/or maintains multiple spreadsheets and/or databases and/or reports, queries, charts, analysis, etc. 10% E
• Coordinates travel details for the Dean and special school guests and processes travel expense transactions.10% E
• Performs other duties as assigned. 5%

Skills

Strong writing skills

Excellent organizational skills

Confidential information handling

Independent work style

Professionalism

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office 2013

Job description

Department: Temp Center

Salary/Grade: TMP/01

Position: Temporary Executive Assistant

Hours: This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week/ 8:30am-5pm / M-F)

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Campus: Evanston

Location: Evanston, Illinois

Approximate start date: 10/12/2026

Approximate end date: 11/20/2026

Northwestern University is seeking a temporary Full‑time Executive Assistant for the Evanston campus.

Temporary Job Description

• Manages the Dean's complex calendar, deciding on appointments to balance conflicting priorities. Proactively informs the Dean of upcoming events and deadlines, so as to manage the Dean's projects and workflow. Screens all meeting requests, determining priorities. Ensures that comprehensive briefing materials are created and provided in advance of events and meetings. Coordinates activities with the Development Office. 25% E
• Serves as Dean's internal/external representative as necessary to build and maintain local, national, and international relationships and facilitate flow of work, while maintaining confidentiality. Executes administrative responsibilities related to faculty recruitment, retention and retirement matters. Responds to unanticipated and complex issues. 20% E
• Manages communication between the Dean and various constituents. Oversees Dean's written materials and reports, as well as various types of electronic communications.15%
• Conceptualizes and organizes Dean's office and other special school events, which require a knowledge and sensitivity to issues, cultures, protocol, etc. Also makes catering and venue arrangements. 15% E
• Based on analysis and research, ensures creation of all necessary documents, which may include drafting proposals, presentations, etc. Develops and/or maintains multiple spreadsheets and/or databases and/or reports, queries, charts, analysis, etc. 10% E
• Coordinates travel details for the Dean and special school guests and processes travel expense transactions.10% E
• Performs other duties as assigned. 5%

Please note:

• Additionally, position oversees administrative processes related to faculty searches, promotion and tenure reviews, and faculty/advisory board meetings, including scheduling, events management, and operational coordination.
• Candidate must have excellent correspondence, ability to maintain strict confidentiality, be exceptionally organized, and curious.

Qualifications Required

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
• Strong writing skills;
• High level of organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Diligent and can work independently;
• Experience working with confidential information;
• Professionalism;
• Flexibility, adaptability in a fast paced environment.

Software Required

• MS Office suite 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

In addition to salary, this temporary position is eligible for paid time off and paid sick time in accordance with Northwestern University policies. This position is not eligible for other benefits offered to regular staff positions.

Northwestern University seeks to employ a varied and diverse range of dynamic people who understand the importance of our mission and vision. When you consider a temporary opportunity at Northwestern University, you know that you are joining an institution with a deep history of academic, professional and personal development.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.