Sociology Executive Assistant

Who We AreThe Sociology Department traces its origins back to 1932 and has a proud history studying social life, social change, inequality, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. We are one of the top sociology departments in the world. To learn more, please visit the Department of Sociology website: https://lsa.umich.edu/soc This is an opportunity to join a supportive and welcoming team of professionals who are passionate about their work in an environment that prioritizes individual professional growth for staff. The Sociology Staff are a team of dedicated and creative professionals that support students and faculty in providing exceptional, engaging, and innovative opportunities for teaching, learning, and research. Our focus is developing and sustaining a collaborative and inclusive culture, which encourages outreach and engagement throughout our department, institution, community, and society. The Executive Assistant is a key member of this team. Job SummaryThe Sociology Department in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Executive Assistant. This role has two main components: 1) Provide executive-level support to the Chair, Chief Administrator, and departmental leadership; and 2) Serve as a lead coordinator for the department's largest and most important initiatives.This position requires an individual who can independently manage complex and shifting priorities, anticipate needs, monitor deadlines, and communicate clearly and proactively with the Chair and Chief Administrator about outstanding work, competing demands, risks, and required decisions. The successful candidate will exercise sound judgment, maintain appropriate discretion, and ensure that work is accurate, timely, and aligned with departmental, College, and University policies.We seek a resourceful, service-oriented professional who demonstrates emotional intelligence, technical skill, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively and empathetically with a wide range of people. The Executive Assistant will be expected to evaluate current practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop more efficient and reliable processes. The position offers opportunities to expand skills and responsibilities while contributing to the work of a highly regarded academic department. This position reports to the Chief Administrator, Elizabeth Jahn, and receives a significant portion of their day-to-day work from the Department Chair, Elizabeth A. Armstrong. This position will require on-site work a minimum of four days per week during the academic year. A full breakdown of job responsibilities is listed on the U-M careers job posting linked above. Required Qualifications*Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.At least three years of progressively responsible administrative experience as an executive assistant or in a comparable administrative role.Demonstrated professionalism, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and discretion in handling confidential information and sensitive situations.Demonstrated experience supporting senior leaders; managing complex calendars, projects, and processes; and maintaining detailed records.Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to independently prioritize work, manage multiple assignments and deadlines, and adapt effectively when priorities change.Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise initiative, anticipate needs, and follow assignments through to completion while contributing effectively to a collaborative, service-oriented team.Ability to communicate proactively and clearly with supervisors about deadlines, workload, project status, competing priorities, and decisions needed.Demonstrated critical-thinking, problem-solving, resourcefulness, and decision-making skills, including the ability to remain calm and effective while managing concurrent tasks. Experience evaluating administrative practices and identifying and implementing process improvements.Demonstrated adaptability, including the ability to learn new systems, assume additional responsibilities, and modify work practices in response to evolving priorities and departmental needs.Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience drafting and editing correspondence, reports, meeting materials, and other documents for formal and informal audiences.Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail, particularly when preparing official communications and time-sensitive or confidential materials.Ability to work effectively, respectfully, and sensitively with a diverse community and to handle challenging situations with tact, diplomacy, and a responsive, service-oriented approach.Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom, or the demonstrated ability to learn comparable systems quickly.Willingness to learn new systems, assume additional responsibilities, and adapt work practices to meet evolving departmental needs. Desired Qualifications*Five or more years of progressively responsible administrative support experience, preferably in an academic setting.Experience supporting an executive or senior academic leader, including complex scheduling, agenda preparation, minute-taking, travel arrangements, and event coordination.Experience with academic faculty affairs processes, including faculty recruitment and hiring, annual reviews, tenure and promotion cases, faculty leaves, lecturer appointments or reviews, awards, and retirement processes.Working knowledge of university policies and procedures, particularly those related to faculty academic affairs.Experience with University of Michigan administrative systems and the LSA Faculty Lifecycle system.Experience maintaining web content in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) or a comparable content-management system.Familiarity with digital accessibility standards and practices. Modes of WorkPositions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes. Work ScheduleThis is a full-time, year-round position with somewhat flexible working hours. During the academic year, the Executive Assistant works a hybrid schedule spending four days on campus with the option of working remotely one day per week. The period from mid-May to mid-August allows for more flexibility at the discretion of the Chief Administrator and Chair. The schedule needs to align with both the Chair's schedule and the department's ongoing operational needs. Some evening and weekend hours are required. These hours will be scheduled well in advance and are only required a few times each year. Please note that new employees will be asked to work 100% in person for the first three months in the position. Additional InformationThe salary range for this position is $59,500 to $74,500, please note a higher salary may be offered based on the selected candidate's experience. As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world. To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit https://lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision. Background ScreeningThe University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Application DeadlineJob openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended. U-M EEO StatementThe University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.