Executive Assistant

Lehigh; Bethlehem; On-site; ZAR 886 000 - 1 080 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Vice President for Finance and Administration. This pivotal role involves managing the VP’s operational excellence, driving strategic initiatives, and serving as a critical liaison to the Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills, a high level of professionalism, and relevant experience. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Health Care

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of related work experience.
• Proven ability to provide high-level support to senior leaders.
• Experience with project management and collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential administrative support to the VPFA.
• Manage a complex executive calendar and high-impact meetings.
• Oversee daily operations of the VP's office.
• Act as a key liaison to Board members.

Skills

Expertise in Google Suite

MS Office Suite proficiency

Critical thinking and problem solving

High level of professionalism

Strong interpersonal and writing skills

Time management

Exceptional multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates in Business Administration

Job description

Overview

Join Lehigh University's prestigious Finance & Administration team as an Executive Assistant, where you'll serve as a strategic partner and confidential advisor to our Vice President for Finance and Administration. This isn't your typical administrative role—it's a pivotal position for a professional ready to make a meaningful impact. As our Executive Assistant, you'll manage the operational excellence of the VP's office while driving division-wide strategic initiatives. You'll serve as a critical liaison to our Board of Trustees, navigate complex university structures with sophisticated business acumen, and handle highly sensitive institutional information with absolute discretion. This role offers the unique opportunity to influence university operations at the highest levels.

Position Number: S76230

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $55,200-$67,180 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, high-level, confidential administrative support to the VPFA and secondary support to the AVP for Finance.
• Manage a complex executive calendar, prioritizing high-impact meetings and ensuring the VP’s time is aligned with divisional goals.
• Oversee the daily operations of the VP’s office, ensuring a professional and responsive environment for all stakeholders.
• Participate as an active member of the VP’s executive leadership team.
• Contribute to divisional goal-setting and strategic planning.
• Act as a gatekeeper and diplomat, representing the VP’s interests to internal and external constituents.
• Serve as key liaison to Board members serving as committee chairs and members of three committees.
• Ensure follow-up and resolutions/board actions are completed for board finance, audit and campus operations and planning committee meetings which occur 3 times per year.
• Serve as the lead project manager on key initiatives originating from the VP’s office, tracking milestones and ensuring timely delivery.
• Develop slides for meetings and proactively develop agenda content as well as all logistics.
• Draft, edit, and manage complex communications, including division-wide announcements, executive reports, and presentations.
• Facilitate collaborative relationships across the university to ensure the F&A division remains integrated with broader institutional objectives.
• Exercise considerable judgement in working with highly confidential information and when responding on behalf of the VP.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Communications for F&A to ensure communications have consistent tone and language.
• Facilitate HR actions including search and promotion request and approval processes.
• Provide back up support to treasury services including occasional assistance with daily processing and reconciliation of financial transactions.
• Serve as a liaison with University financial providers for certain operational banking related issues including account administration and maintenance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associates in Business Administration preferred
• Five to eight years of related work experience
• Expertise in Google Suite or MS Office Suite, familiarity and use of project management and collaboration tools.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, adaptability, and proven ability to provide high level support to a busy senior leader.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills for liaising with senior leaders and external partners.
• Exceptional multitasking, time management, and project management abilities. Proven experience in proactively anticipating the needs of an organizational leader.
• Proven ability to handle highly sensitive information with absolute confidentiality
• Understanding of university finance, operations, and governance structures.
• Exceptional ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced executive environment.

Equal Opportunity

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. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website.

Accommodations

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

Background Checks

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.

Application Notice

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.