The Special Assistant to the Dean serves as a professional-level partner to the Assistant Vice President and Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies (CICS), providing strategic operational coordination, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship management in support of the College’s growth and institutional advancement priorities. This part-time position performs high-level work directly related to executive leadership, advancement activities, and operational effectiveness.
The Special Assistant independently manages donor stewardship workflows with the Advancement Office, alumni engagement initiatives, and executive operations processes that sustain scholarship growth, employer partnerships, and philanthropic engagement. The role exercises discretion and independent judgment in handling confidential matters, coordinating communications with donors and external stakeholders, preparing executive briefing materials, and ensuring compliance with institutional and donor reporting expectations. The Coordinator manages Coursera access, a CICS alumni benefit.
In alignment with the mission of CICS to expand access, support degree completion, and serve adult and nontraditional learners, this position strengthens the administrative and advancement infrastructure necessary to sustain enrollment growth and external engagement. The Special Assistant plays a central role in supporting the CICS Alumni Affinity Chapter, coordinating Homecoming engagement programming, and stewarding the College’s growing donor and alumni relationships. By enhancing executive capacity, safeguarding donor relationships, and supporting strategic initiatives, the Special Assistant to the Dean contributes directly to the College’s operational excellence, financial sustainability, and long-term impact within the University and broader community.
The Special Assistant to the Dean contributes to the overall effectiveness of the CICS leadership team by maintaining organized records, managing confidential information with discretion, and supporting special projects and university-wide initiatives as assigned. This role is best suited for an enthusiastic, people-oriented individual who brings a relentless belief in degree completion and a genuine commitment to the success of adult and nontraditional learners.
