Temporary Executive Assistant

About the role

Northwestern University is seeking a temporary full-time Executive Assistant for the Evanston campus. This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Monday–Friday) with an approximate start date of 10/12/2026 and end date of 11/20/2026.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Dean’s complex calendar, deciding on appointments to balance conflicting priorities. Proactively informs the Dean of upcoming events and deadlines to manage projects and workflow.
• Screens all meeting requests, determining priorities. Ensures comprehensive briefing materials are created and provided in advance of events and meetings.
• Coordinates activities with the Development Office.
• Serves as the Dean’s internal/external representative to build and maintain local, national, and international relationships while maintaining confidentiality.
• Executes administrative responsibilities related to faculty recruitment, retention, and retirement matters. Responds to unanticipated and complex issues.
• Manages communication between the Dean and various constituents. Oversees the Dean’s written materials, reports, and electronic communications.
• Conceptualizes and organizes the Dean’s office and other special school events, requiring knowledge of issues, cultures, and protocol. Makes catering and venue arrangements.
• Ensures creation of necessary documents based on analysis and research, including drafting proposals, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, reports, queries, and charts.
• Coordinates travel details for the Dean and special school guests and processes travel expense transactions.
• Oversees administrative processes related to faculty searches, promotion and tenure reviews, and faculty/advisory board meetings, including scheduling, events management, and operational coordination.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Strong writing skills and high level of organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, diligently, and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Experience working with confidential information.
• Professionalism, flexibility, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office suite 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Benefits

• Eligible for paid time off and paid sick time in accordance with Northwestern University policies.

Pay

$25.00 per hour

Schedule

• Full-time (37.5 hours per week).
• Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.