Executive Assistant and Center Administrator

Department

SSD: Center for the Economics of Human Development - Staff and Temporary Employees

About the Department

The Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) brings together top-tier researchers to conduct and disseminate rigorous interdisciplinary research that identifies and explores the conditions under which people develop the skills necessary to thrive in society and achieve their fullest potential. CEHD’s research is guided by Nobel laureate James J. Heckman and includes a comprehensive array of interrelated projects and initiatives which promote a thorough empirical understanding of human flourishing. Unifying this research is an evolving idea that capacities and skills acquired over the lifecycle, starting at conception, transform many aspects of the life course at all stages, ranging from employment and earning prospects to overall health.

Job Summary

The job provides confidential and high-level office and location support activities by acting as a lead and coordinating the work of others. Identifies, enhances, and applies specific processes and procedures to maximize the efficiencies of the University to which the support is being provided. May ensure the correct functioning of facilities, office and/or business support services.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Executive Assistant provides comprehensive executive-level administrative and operational support for the Center’s leadership, spanning communications, scheduling, events, travel, and special projects. The role serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, upholding confidentiality and exercising discretion in handling sensitive matters. This position is in person.
The role emphasizes coordination, judgment, organization, and process improvement. The position works within a collaborative administrative model alongside other members of the Center’s operations team to ensure seamless support for leadership, faculty, visitors, and strategic initiatives, under the direction of the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary point of contact for the Faculty Director’s office, managing written and verbal communications with professionalism and confidentiality. Triages emails from one or more email inboxes, telephone calls, and media and speaking requests, including domestic and international inquiries submitted via email or web form. Resolves routine and complex inquiries. Stays informed of relevant University programs and initiatives, apprising the Executive Director of matters requiring attention.
• Provides oversight of the Faculty Director’s calendar and scheduling, including triaging and confirming internal and external engagements, developing agendas, communicating meeting expectations, and following up with participants on resulting deliverables. Tracks internal, external, and publication-related deadlines. Assists in managing daily office operations which support the Faculty Director, exercising considerable discretion and judgment as to priorities and effective use of the Director’s time, under the direction of the Executive Director.
• Manages travel arrangements and fiscal administration for the Faculty Director, including domestic and international itineraries, visa coordination, and reimbursement processing for travel, honoraria, and other receivables in accordance with University and sponsor policies. Assist with travel requests and prepare travel itineraries and briefing materials for leaders as needed. Manages general office administration functions, including supply ordering, vendor coordination, document filing systems, expense reports, reimbursements, and invoices. Handles sensitive financial information with discretion.
• Guides high-priority and ad hoc projects from the Faculty Director and Executive Director through completion, including immediate action items and recurring projects such as graduate student recommendation letters and annual teaching support. Serves as a point of contact for ad hoc projects; tracks deliverables, timelines, and action items; flags issues; and keeps stakeholders aligned and informed of progress. In coordination with the Executive Director, supports stewardship of CEHD’s network of affiliates, alumni, and prospective funders, identifying opportunities to advance relationships and promote the Center’s work.
• Plans and executes workshops, speaker series, and other events at the direction of the Executive Dir…