Executive Assistant to the President

Goshen College is a Christian liberal arts institution that prepares students to thrive in life, leadership and service. We strive to model an inclusive community committed to transformative justice, peace, and sustainability. A respect and appreciation of the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith perspective and practices, and a commitment to the mission, vision, core values and  community standards of Goshen College, are important for teaching and administrative faculty members.  

Job Summary: Reporting to the president, the executive assistant supports the administrative and operational functions of the office of the president, takes initiative to manage the business of the president’s office and provides support for the board of directors.

Essential Functions:

Executive Assistant to the President

• Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks including; managing calendars and email, making travel arrangements, preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials, archiving minutes, and maintaining electronic and paper files.
• Exercise initiative and independent judgment in managing daily office activity. Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, proactively and follow through on projects to successful completion.
• Plan, coordinate and ensure that the president’s schedule is followed and respected. Serve as the first point of access to the president’s time and office.
• Work closely and effectively with the president to keep him/her informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately. Provide president with background information and supporting documentation in preparation for meetings, special events and speaking engagements.
• Represent the Office of the President on committees, as assigned, to assist in planning and ensure events are implemented in a timely, organized manner to meet the standards of the president.
• Assist with development and management of budget accounts. Allocate expenses for check requests and credit card reconciliation.
• Arrange special events and related details.
• Support the president’s cabinet. Prepare meeting agendas in collaboration with the president and cabinet members, and take minutes of the meetings.
• Communicate accurate information in an effective manner to institutional leadership on behalf of the president.

Board Administrative Assistance

• Support the board of directors; prepare electronic board docket, assist with all board meeting and committee agendas, record minutes, arrange accommodations for board members, assist with new board member orientation, and other matters necessary for the effective functioning of the board.
• Be familiar with policies regarding board and board committee matters.
• Work with the events office to implement board events, including board meetings.

Donor Relations

• Work collaboratively with the Institutional Advancement office to coordinate the president’s involvement in alumni and donor events. Contact donors on behalf of the president’s office when appropriate.
• Work with the president’s spouse to coordinate hospitality for guests of Goshen College.

Internal and External Customer Service

• Represent the office of the president and the executive suite in a professional manner at all times. Promote a positive image of the college when greeting visitors, corresponding with constituents and answering phones. Provide excellent customer service both internally and externally.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of college policies, procedures and operations and an understanding of the college’s role within the community.
• Exercise discretion, diplomacy and good judgment when representing the president or college leadership and maintain complete confidentiality.
• Provide a smooth bridge of communication between the president’s office, president’s cabinet and internal departments; maintaining credibility, trust and support with the President’s cabinet and the campus.
• Communicate directly with board members, faculty, staff and students on behalf of the president when appropriate.
• Serve on community and church committees, if assigned, as a representative of Goshen College and to connect the College to external agencies.

Other Duties as assigned by the president.

Education and/or Experience:

1. Three to five years of experience supporting executive management positions preferred.
2. Bachelor’s degree required.
3. Related office experience with management of multiple assignments.
4. Acquaintance with Mennonite Church USA, Goshen College, and Elkhart County community preferred.

Skills Required:

• Ability to exercise discretion, diplomacy and judgment and maintain absolute confidentiality.
• Strong computer skills, understanding of Excel and Word, Moodle, and Google Doc applications.
• Ability to manage complex tasks, analyze information and effectively solve problems.
• Ability to communicate and write effectively and succinctly, including composing correspondence.
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem solving with strong decision making capability.
• Warm and personable personality. Comfortable meeting the public and constituents of Goshen College and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders including faculty, staff, board members, donors.
• Commitment to teamwork and mutual support of others in the office.
• Highly developed organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Work well under pressure and handle stress.

Physical Demands:

Work involves light lifting (up to 25 pounds), prolonged sitting, use of computer and other standard office equipment.

Work Environment/Environmental Conditions:

All of the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the (supervisor or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

Benefits

• Health insurance (employee premium 100% covered)
• Dental, vision, life and LTD insurance
• Retirement plans
• Tuition discounts
• Free employee membership to Recreation/Fitness Center
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave

See our website for additional benefits information.

About Goshen College

Goshen College is a nationally-ranked college and Hispanic-Serving Institution in Indiana renowned for its distinctive hands-on, real-world educational opportunities, and its commitment to creating positive change in the community and the world. The college offers over 65 undergraduate areas of study; as well as best-in-class graduate programs in nursing, business administration, social work and environmental education. This caring, safe and diverse campus prides itself on providing excellent academic programs that connect arts with sciences, and theory with practice — exposing students to multiple perspectives and encouraging them to think deeply, live creatively and lead purposefully.

The college is located in the City of Goshen in the heart of Elkhart County, within several hours of Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit, Residents of Goshen enjoy a culturally diverse small-town atmosphere with an active arts community, a vibrant and entrepreneurial downtown, the Maple City Greenway network of bicycle paths and affordable housing prices. Learn more at www.goodofgoshen.com.

How to Apply

Application materials may be attached to the Administrative Faculty Application Form or sent electronically to hr@goshen.edu.

Required:

• Complete the online Administrative Faculty Application Form
• Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of three professional references with contact information

E-Verify Statement of Participation

Goshen College participates in E-Verify. If you are hired, we will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Goshen College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

Goshen College is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing diversity across the institution. Goshen College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. To protect the welfare and provide for the safety of the students, employees, visitors, and resources of Goshen College, background checks are conducted by the Office of Human Resources on all new and re-hired employees.

Human Resources
Goshen College
1700 S. Main Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4795

E-mail: hr@goshen.edu
Telephone: (574) 535-7111