"Executive Administrative Assistant and Project Manager to the President"

The Executive Administrative Assistant and Project Manager to the President supports the President of the College by providing high-level executive administrative support with project management responsibilities for presidential priorities and institution-wide initiatives to advance those priorities and ensure completion. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, organizational sophistication, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects while ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the President’s office.

Reporting to the President and the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives & External Relations, and working closely with senior leadership, trustees, faculty leaders, donors, and external partners, this position plays a critical role in advancing the President’s agenda and supporting the College’s mission as a highly selective liberal arts institution.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Administrative Support

• Provide comprehensive, high-level administrative support to the President and the Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives and External Relations, including calendar management, budget management, meeting coordination, correspondence, and travel planning.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the President’s Office, managing communications with trustees, senior administrators, faculty, alumni, donors, and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, briefing materials, reports, presentations, and agendas on behalf of the President.
• Coordinate and support meetings of the Board of Trustees, executive committees, and other presidential meetings, including logistics, materials preparation, and follow-up actions.
• Exercise exceptional discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrate an appreciation for and sensitivity to an inclusive academic community, fostering a welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff from all social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Project Management and Strategic Initiatives

• Manage and track presidential initiatives and cross-divisional projects, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and accountability are clearly defined and met.
• Develop project plans, workflows, and dashboards to support institutional priorities, strategic planning efforts, and major initiatives, working closely with the Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives and External Relations.
• Coordinate across academic and administrative divisions to facilitate progress, identify risks, and resolve issues.
• Monitor progress, prepare status updates, and provide concise briefings to the President and senior leadership.
• Support special projects as assigned, including institutional events, accreditation or planning efforts, and campus-wide initiatives.

Operations

• Establish and refine systems, processes, and tools to improve workflow, communication, and project tracking.
• Support coordination between the President’s Office and other senior leadership offices.
• Assist with planning and execution of high-profile campus events, donor engagements, and external meetings involving the President.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Demonstrated experience providing executive-level administrative support, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Proven project management experience with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and writing skills.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience in a small, selective liberal arts college environment.
• Formal project management training or certification.
• Familiarity with board governance, strategic planning, or institutional operations in higher education.
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and attention to detail
• Project planning and execution
• Confidentiality and judgment
• Written and verbal communication excellence
• Relationship management and diplomacy
• Adaptability and problem-solving

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is a full-time, on-campus position requiring flexibility in hours to support presidential responsibilities, including occasional evening or weekend commitments.
• Limited pushing, pulling and lifting; lifting would not exceed 20 lbs.
• Ability to stand or walk occasionally in the performance of job duties.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle occasionally in the performance of job duties.
• Mobility on campus necessary.
• Visual acuity to read computer screens and reports.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
Retirement Plan
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Caregiver Support Program and Employee Assistance Program
Long-Term Disability
Paid Time Off, Holidays and Sick Time
Holiday Shutdown Period
Staff Education and Development
Tuition Benefit for Dependent Children
Gym Access
Pet Insurance
Free Library Access
Campus Bookstore Discounts
Discounted Norton Center Subscription Packages

Application Instructions

*Apply via computer, please do not use a cell phone to apply. * Centre College uses Interfolio as their Applicant Tracking Software to review all applications for employment. From the Apply button on the Centre Employment Page, you will be linked to create an Interfolio Account. You will then set up a Dossier Account following the software instructions. For the I am Question, select Other for Staff Openings. Agree to Terms of usage and then Create your Profile. Once your account is set up, you will select your opportunity from your Home Page, Complete Application Questions, Upload Cover Letter, CV/Resume/ and References. Once the application and uploads are complete you will Submit your application. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. If you need any assistance with the application process, please contact Interfolio Support at 1-877-997-8807 or Stephanie Franklin at 859-238-5465.

About Centre College

Centre College is a premier national liberal arts college that serves approximately 1,400 students and provides a supportive community and a flexible, personal academic path to a meaningful life and career. Founded in 1819, Centre accomplishes its goals in an atmosphere of caring and respectful relationships among faculty, student, and staff. The College has an endowment in excess of $420 million and an operating budget of more than $65 million.
Centre welcomes and supports diversity. The College strives to create an environment where differences are celebrated, where individuals can exchange ideas and share in the richness of mutual experiences. Please view our Statement of Community.
Located in Danville, KY, the historic, picturesque 150-acre campus is 30 miles from Lexington, in the famed Bluegrass Region of Central Kentucky.
For information concerning the College, visit our web site at www.centre.edu