Executive Assistant for the President in PELLA, Iowa at Central College

The executive assistant to the president provides administrative support to ensure the effective execution of the president’s official activities. This role serves as a central point of communication and coordination for the office of the president and the board of trustees, operating with the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality. The position requires sound judgment, exceptional organizational skills, diplomacy, and the ability to manage sensitive information while facilitating timely communication, governance support, and institutional engagement.

• Provide administrative support to the president for internal and external activities, including preparation of correspondence, reports, presentations, briefing materials; coordination of meeting venues, event planning, audio/visual technology tools; and careful screening of communications and appointments in accordance with presidential priorities.

• Assist the president in scheduling meetings and overall calendar management consistent with the president’s priorities exercising sound judgment, discretion, and anticipatory planning.

• Coordinate and support standing and ad hoc meetings involving the president, ensuring effective preparation, documentation, and follow-through.

• Prepare briefing materials to ensure the president is fully informed and well-prepared for meetings, events, presentations, and engagements.

• Assist the president (and spouse when appropriate) with professional travel planning, including detailed itineraries, supporting materials, and alignment with institutional and donor-related engagements.

• Draft, review, proofread and distribute presidential correspondence. Ensure accuracy, clarity, timeliness, and alignment with institutional voice and governance standards is present in all communications.

• Manage office budgets and financial processes related to the president’s office and board of trustees, including reconciliation of credit card statements, travel expenses, and governance-related expenditures in alignment with institutional financial controls.

• Provide administrative and governance support to the chair of the board of trustees and secretary of the board, including preparation, coordination and logistics of board of trustee plenary meetings, committee meetings, retreats; and coordination of meeting agendas, minutes, presentations, and related materials in accordance with governance best practices.

• Maintain accurate, secure, and well-organized physical and electronic records for the office of the president and the board of trustees, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and governance requirements.

• Serve as the primary administrator for board governance systems, including responsibility for the accuracy, maintenance, and training associated with the online AGB Trustee Board Portal (“OnBoard”) for those that require access/use.

• Uphold the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, discretion, cordiality, and personal care in all interactions, serving as a steward of the institution’s values while engaging with trustees, donors, guests, senior leaders, and community partners with a high level of professionalism.

• Maintain a working knowledge of constituent relationships, including faculty, staff, students, parents, trustees, donors, alumni, and retired members of the Central College community, supporting effective relationship management and stewardship.

• Serve as an ambassadorial host for guests of the president’s office including preparatory correspondence, catering, set-up, parking, greeting and follow-up.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the president’s office and the effective governance of the college.

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience.

· 5-10 years of progressively responsible senior level administrative support experience with emphasis on written and verbal communication, meeting and event planning, and organization.

· Experience in Higher Education and/or with share governance models is preferred.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.

· Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams, anticipate needs and assist in solving problems proactively.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including PowerPoint, Word, Teams and Excel is required.

Central College Brand Expectations

· Demonstrate a network of caring relationships by showing respect for others, being dependable and promoting cooperation with others in the work environment.

· Be your best self by being accountable for responsibilities, adapting well to change and maintaining the highest standards of business ethics.

· Perform job responsibilities on campus to support the residential college environment.

· Strive to perform as effectively as possible while maintaining a high level of quality and promoting personal growth and development.

· Respect and comply with college rules and policies, including participation in required training courses; report any suspected violations of the Title IX policy to the Title IX Coordinator.