Executive Assistant

Department

BSD NRB - Administration

About the Department

The central focus for the Department of Neurobiology is to understand the molecular, cellular, circuit and computational principles of the nervous system, and mechanisms by which its functioning is disrupted by brain diseases, injury, and mental illness. Our research is uncovering fundamental principles of the nervous system--how brain circuits give rise to behavior and thought, how the nervous system develops across the lifetime, and how brain function is disrupted by neurological disease and mental illness.

Job Summary

The job provides confidential and high-level office and location support activities by acting as a lead and coordinating the work of others. Identifies, enhances, and applies specific processes and procedures to maximize the efficiencies of the University to which the support is being provided. May ensure the correct functioning of facilities, office and/or business support services.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a first-line resource and point of contact for visitors; triage emails and telephone calls for action.

• Assist in the planning and execution of faculty recruitment and promotions.

• Assist in office operations and department activities including social events.

• Process reimbursements for faculty and students.

• Make travel arrangements for faculty as needed.

• Maintain the departmental website.

• Procure office supplies for the office (and labs as needed) and initiate payments to vendors.

• Be able to resolve routine and complex inquiries, maintain discretion and confidentiality on sensitive materials handled by supervisor and other parties.

• Assist in the planning and execution of postdoc recruitment.

• Assist with the planning and execution of faculty retreat.

• Coordinate visits of speakers and scientific meetings; be the initial contact and coordinate logistics including meeting schedule.

• Schedules meetings and maintains the Chair’s calendar.

• Provides office management through: Conference Room management; Ensure all office materials are stocked; Coordinates access and maintains key inventory for current and new personnel.

• Provides event planning organization: Order and set up catering; Travel organization for guests; Room reservations; Create travel dossiers and on-campus itineraries; Provide coordination on day of event; Reimbursement and bill pay.

• Provides confidential and high-level administrative support for a leader. Stays informed of activities relating to University programs and initiatives, apprising the leader of issues when deemed necessary. Coordinates information flow from leader's office to University. May staff Board of Directors meetings. Relieves leaders of administrative responsibilities.

• Initiates correspondence and other written materials under own signature or for signature of the leader. Triages emails and telephone calls for action. Resolves routine and complex inquiries. May act as liaison to Board of Directors.

• Prepare special reports and summaries, assists in managing daily operation of the office, and may assist in developing administrative goals and policies. Maintains the leader's calendar, exercising considerable discretion and judgment as to priorities and effective use of the leader's time.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity with central administration within a complex research university environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Ability to handle public contacts with courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion.

• Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.

• Excellent problem-solving skills required. Ability to use appropriate resources to resolve an issue.

• Ability to follow an issue through to resolution Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.

• Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision required. Proficiency with word processing applications and spreadsheets and databases.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover letter (required)

Job Family

Administration & Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​
FLSA Status

Exempt

​
Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.