Position Title:
Executive Assistant to the Vice President of UA&M
Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
70000 - Univer Advance and Mktg VP Office
Advertised Salary:
$65,000-$67,000 Salary commensurate with qualifications, plus comprehensive benefits package
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans
Temporary/Continuing:
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Term of Position:
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
Just Cause
Summary of Position:
The highly motivated Executive Assistant will provide advanced, high-level administrative support to the Vice President of University Advancement and Marketing. This role demands outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to handle highly confidential information with integrity and discretion. The successful candidate will manage the Vice President’s schedule; coordinate extensive travel logistics; provide executive and tactical support for capital campaigns; manage logistics for high-profile donor meetings and asks, foundation board meetings and events, and alumni events; and coordinate communication across the division. The assistant must be available to the team during and outside standard business hours when necessary, and possess an outstanding work ethic, sound judgment, and trustworthiness. Daily activities include regular interaction with the President's cabinet, deans, associate vice presidents, fellow executive assistants, Ferris Foundation Board members, major donors, alumni, and community leaders.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H-1 B, etc.
Required Education:
Bachelor’s degree or work experience commensurate with the degree
Required Work Experience:
Experience working within a higher education institution, non-profit organization, or a fast-paced marketing/communications environment, working directly with senior executives and the community
Organization & Autonomy: Exceptionally well-organized, hard-working, and diplomatic, with the ability to work autonomously and prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.
Confidentiality: Direct experience dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
Technical Proficiency: Efficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and Outlook calendaring.
Time Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and follow through on all projects.
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders (donors, media, faculty, staff).
Adaptability: Proven track record of meeting deadlines and working under pressure, with the ability to anticipate change and react efficiently and expeditiously.
Five years of progressively complex secretarial experience, including support to senior leadership.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Bending
- Carrying
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Driving
- Repetitive movement
- Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Manage sensitive matters with a high level of confidentiality and discretion, especially decisions directly impacting the University.
Maintain and manage a daily calendar of meetings and events.
Prepare Word, Excel, PowerPoint presentations, agendas, reports, special projects, and other documents in support of objectives for the organization.
Arrange travel and accommodations for the VP and others as assigned. Prepare expense reports.
Screen incoming telephone calls; take and deliver accurate messages; respond to requests by gathering and providing information, and referring non-routine calls to the appropriate staff.
* Excellent communication and time management skills; proven ability to meet deadlines. · *Ability to function well in a high-paced environment; performs additional duties as assigned by executives.
Draft and prepare correspondence for internal announcements, board meetings, and organizations that the executive is involved with.
Manage the VP's contacts
Assist in preparing and managing presentations and decks.
Be responsive to emails/texts/phone calls, with contact outside normal business hours
Welcome the VP’s guests by greeting them, in person or on the phone; answering or directing inquiries.
Use discretion, confidentiality, and good judgment to handle all matters.
Represent the university and the VP in a positive light through great follow-through skills and sound judgment.
Conserve the VP's time by reading, researching, collecting, and analyzing information as needed, in advance.
Complete ad hoc projects as assigned.
Organize complex calendars and schedules; resolving any scheduling issues
Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of our duties.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Work some nights and weekends
Skills and Abilities:
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work.
Experience dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information.
Efficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Outlook calendaring.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and follow through on all projects.
Build and maintain positive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders (donors, media, faculty, staff).
Meets deadlines and works under pressure, with the ability to anticipate change and react efficiently and expeditiously.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants who have completed college coursework or attained a degree must attach a copy of their unofficial transcript.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript.
Initial Application Review Date:
July 20, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
EEO Statement:
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity, and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
