Executive Assistant, Office of The Provost and

**Executive Assistant, Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic**:
**Primary Purpose of the Position**

The primary purpose of this position is to provide executive, administrative and professional support of diverse and complex administrative services to the executive administrative director and the office of the provost and vice-president academic.

**Nature of the Work**

The work varies significantly in complexity from scheduling meetings to sourcing and compiling complex and often confidential information into reports that are used in formal institutional records or communications from the office of the provost and vice-president academic. The work requires a proactive approach in a complex, academic/research environment, and the ability to work and communicate effectively and cooperatively with a variety of stakeholders.

This position experiences pressure when managing competing interests toward satisfactory outcomes; workflow must be planned to meet deadlines and unexpected situations, and to accommodate the office of the provost and vice-president academic. Prompt, complete, and accurate work is extremely important to mitigate risks associated with all the activity that requires the attention in the office of the provost and vice-president academic.

The position works within established policies and protocols and determines methods and processes within those that best suit specific events and circumstances. This position is expected to adapt and modify known practices to solve problems and achieve goals. The incumbent is expected to make recommendations to the work or work environment and is expected to contribute to policy and process improvement.

Impact of error is high as the position is responsible to ensure that the leaders in the office of the provost and vice-president academic have access to necessary, accurate and timely information. Considerable discretion is required as the position is privy to and works with sensitive and highly confidential strategic, financial, and personnel information.

This position is also required to provide support to committees as per university policies and regulations in accordance with the Kerr and King “Procedures for Meetings and Organizations”.

**Education and Experience Required**

**Education**:
A recognized post-secondary diploma in office administration is required. A bachelor’s degree, or a graduate degree in a related field would be a strong asset. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

**Experience**:
Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience working with senior administrative leadership on the management of highly complex projects, preferably in an academic environment.

A broad understanding of the University of Saskatchewan strategic directions and of university teaching and research cultures are assets.

Experience working with Indigenous Peoples and organizations is an asset.

Relevant prior experience would include supporting decision-making bodies within the institution, and extensive experience in researching, drafting, and editing documents.

Experience with University of Saskatchewan systems is an asset.

**Skills**:
**The following skills are required for this position**:

- Ability to consistently demonstrate high standards of professional integrity and proficiency.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters diplomatically while exercising sound judgement and discretion.
- Ability to support senior level administrators and work effectively with highly confidential and sensitive information.
- Demonstrated self-awareness and capacity to develop and maintain relationships within a diverse post-secondary academic setting.
- Demonstrated ability to foster a community of collaboration, accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative with mínimal supervision as well as demonstrate the ability to work in a team environment collaboratively.
- Strong critical and analytical abilities and creative problem-solving skills, including the ability to anticipate problems and proactively identify solutions.
- Effective organizational skills and the acumen to handle complex situations and manage multiple projects originating from a variety of sources with competing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and ensuring accuracy.
- An understanding of, and familiarity with the university environment and its policies and processes, including the nomenclature, regulations, governance, approval and administrative structures and processes, as well as the college governance structure.
- Ability to share knowledge appropriate to allow fully informed decision making by senior leadership and colleagues.
- Ability to learn in a fast-paced environment and utilize new technology and procedures to incorporate continual improvement in all activity.
- Ability to take initiative to move beyond completion of assigned tasks to plan for future