Senior Executive Assistant to the President & VP for Strategy / Board Liaison

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and ecumenical liberal arts university. The University combines a strong core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study.

At Mount Saint Vincent, a student’s education extends beyond knowledge, skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person. In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other.

Job Summary:

The Senior Executive Assistant to the President and Vice President for Strategy / Board Liaison serves as a trusted strategic partner, reporting directly to the President and additionally provides executive support to the Vice President for Strategy. The President establishes final prioritization when competing demands arise. This highly visible and confidential role is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of the Office of the President, managing complex calendars, coordinating high-level meetings and initiatives, supporting Board of Trustees activities, and serving as a key liaison among senior leaders, trustees, faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, exercise sound judgment, anticipate needs, and manage competing priorities with professionalism and discretion.

The successful candidate will be a seasoned professional with demonstrated experience supporting a senior executive, preferably a president, chancellor, provost, or cabinet-level leader in higher education. The individual must be exceptionally organized, proactive, resourceful, and capable of thriving in an environment characterized by constant activity, shifting priorities, and high expectations for responsiveness and execution. This position requires a professional who operates with discretion, professionalism, and urgency, while maintaining a commitment to excellence and service.

This is an in-office, full-time, exempt, highly visible on-campus role requiring occasional evening and weekend availability for Board meetings, presidential events, and mission-critical institutional activities.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate the calendars of the President and Vice President for Strategy, prioritizing appointments, meetings, communications, travel, and strategic initiatives while balancing competing institutional priorities.
• Schedule and coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements as requested and in coordination with other appropriate offices (e.g., Advancement and External Relations).
• Draft and prepare correspondence, including emails, letters, and reports ensuring exceptional accuracy and clarity.
• Anticipate the President’s needs and proactively research topics relevant to ongoing initiatives and meetings.
• Manage confidential documents and information with the utmost discretion.
• Coordinate logistics for presidential events and meetings, including catering, AV equipment, and room arrangements.
• Oversee the President’s office budget and manage administrative functions such as maintaining office supplies and equipment, and process purchase requisitions.
• Manage databases for mailings and organizational directories.
• Screen and manage incoming calls, emails, and inquiries, directing them appropriately.
• Maintain a professional and welcoming environment in the President’s Office – appropriately welcoming all kinds of different constituents.
• Represent the President’s Office in her absence, exercising sound judgment and discretion.
• Serve as a strategic gatekeeper for the President’s time, ensuring priorities are aligned with institutional goals and initiatives.
• Anticipate challenges, identify potential conflicts, and proactively develop solutions before issues arise.
• Independently manage complex projects and initiatives on behalf of the President, ensuring timely completion and follow-through.
• Prepare comprehensive briefing materials for meetings, events, Board activities, and external engagements.
• Monitor and track action items emerging from executive meetings and ensure accountability for follow-up across the institution.
• Exercise independent judgment in managing sensitive matters and …