Executive Assistant

The Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Business and Strategy and the Chief Financial Officer provides professional administrative and confidential support to the Vice President and to the Chief Financial Officer and works independently and collaboratively to execute a broad portfolio of administrative functions.

In this capacity, the position is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, coordinating, and managing assigned administrative services for the office, exercising independent judgment, as well as decision-making authority in designated areas.

The position requires a high degree of personal initiative, flexibility, and personal judgement in all assignments, along with strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to organize and prioritize tasks to ensure smooth workflow, excellence in work standards and a demonstrated interest in providing strong customer service.

The Executive Assistant will also provide periodic support for the Board of Trustees, the division and the campus community.

EWU is committed to supporting and promoting a workforce that is welcoming to all and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

The salary for this position is $78,884 - $97,000. Where the hired candidate will begin within this range is dependent on education, experience, and skills.

In addition to salary, the university offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and disability insurance and retirement. In addition, EWU offers generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays per year and fringe benefits, such as tuition waiver for employees and eligible family members, discounted EWU sports tickets, full access to our campus workout facilities at a minimum fee and free transportation through STA buses. For additional information regarding insurance benefits please see our Benefits page: https://inside.ewu.edu/hr/benefits-briefing/benefits/insurance/

Applications are open and accepted until recruitment is closed. Screening of applications will begin on October 26, 2026. A three-day notice will be provided prior to closure of recruitment. All materials will be held in strictest confidence; references will not be contacted until candidates have been notified.

Eastern Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University, a regional, comprehensive public university with an enrollment of over 10,000 students, is one of six state-funded four-year institutions of higher education in Washington, each governed by its own board of trustees. As the region's polytechnic, we are recognized for our distinctive approach to hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers. EWU's 300-acre main campus is located in Cheney, a community of 12,000 residents 16 miles southwest of Washington's second largest city, Spokane. Eastern also offers programs in downtown Spokane at the innovative, energy-efficient Catalyst building, the SIERR building which is a hub for research, development and advancement of health sciences. In addition, EWU programs can be found at select locations throughout the state, aligned with the needs of the community. Eastern contributes to the vitality of the region and the state through its wide array of bachelor's and master's degrees in over 100 fields of study, as well as applied doctorates in physical therapy and educational leadership, offering accessible pathways to career success and personal development to students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Eastern Washington University has been recognized for its commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed by Colleges of Distinction, a nationally trusted resource guide for college-bound students. The honor recognizes Eastern as a '26 -'27 College of Distinction (CoD), the second consecutive year it has received the national recognition.

Tribal Land Acknowledgement

At Eastern Washington University, we are proud to recognize the land of the Spokane Tribe and other tribes that shared the land for fishing and trading. The Spokane Tribe, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Kalispel Tribe, and the Nez Perce Tribe are integral to the cultural heritage and traditional ethnological knowledge of the land.

Native American heritage is woven into the fabric of our institution, enriching our community through tribal culture, historical teachings, and tribal language, and is embraced daily by students, staff, faculty, and the Eastern Washington community.

At EWU, we are committed to reflecting on and acknowledging the historical injustices of genocide and the forced removal of tribal peoples and all our relatives. EWU recognizes and honors tribal sovereignty and government to government relationships with tribes.

From here forward, EWU will remain committed to supporting, honoring, and recognizing the Native American community and the dynamic contributions that are shared with our university.

Equal Opportunity Statement

EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws.

Conditions of Employment

This position, during the course of university employment will be involved in the receipt of, or accountability for, university funds or other items of value, as well as the unsupervised access with the developmentally disabled, vulnerable adults or children under the age of 16. The offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion and passing of a background check prior to beginning employment.

All new employees must comply with EWU Immunization Policy 602-02 and provide proof of immunity or vaccination to MMR before beginning work at EWU. Waivers for the immunization requirements are available for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

This is an Administrative Exempt position and is covered by EWU Policy 406- 01, Exempt Employment: https://inside.ewu.edu/policies/knowledge-base/ewu-406-01-exempt-employment/

After starting employment, employees will complete the required training via Canvas. The Office of Employee Belonging, Development, and Leadership will reach out to you concerning Workplace Belonging training and asynchronous New Employee Orientation.

Note: Interviews might be conducted via Zoom (camera must be enabled). If so, candidates must be able to demonstrate competence using Zoom and other technologies.

Physical Demands

Contact Human Resources at jobs@ewu.edu to obtain a copy of the Essential Functions Analysis which will describe conditions of employment, such as physical demands.

Protective Equipment

University, local, regional, and state mandates for public and personal protection should be followed as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any field. Additional years of senior level administrative experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• At least five years of relevant administrative experience, demonstrating readiness to succeed in the senior-level position.
• To be considered qualifying, your years of experience must be beyond entry level and/or clerical tasks, and must include one or more of the following, which may come from one position, or a combination of positions, to equal at least five years of this administrative experience: Office management experience which includes supervising/leading other office workers; and/or providing administrative support to an executive which includes exercising delegated authority to handle high level administrative responsibilities on behalf of and executive; and/or directing projects to include accountability for achieving objectives; and/o experience performing the key responsibilities as defined for this position and which include decision making authority and use of judgement in handling confidential matters.
• Strong technical skills demonstrated by three years' successful fulltime work experience using a variety of software programs such as: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, database systems, Outlook, publishing software, Zoom, Enterprise systems ie: Banner, and Tableau experience a plus.
• Experience maintaining manual and electronic records and files.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a culturally responsive and flexible approach that is supportive to the diverse needs, including universal accessibility, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience gained in a higher education setting that matches at least one of the experience types listed under minimum qualifications.
• Strong skillset in external relations.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Experience in interpreting policies, procedures, and memorandums of agreement.

Special Instructions to Applicants

It is strongly recommended that you print a copy of these instructions and the position posting before you begin to complete the online application, as the instructions will not be viewable once you begin the application process.

Required documentation includes all of the items listed below.

1. Attach a detailed cover letter in which you explain how you meet each of the required qualifications [and preferred qualifications, if applicable]. It is preferred that you provide the information in a bulleted list or as a table within your cover letter.
2. Attach a chronological resume including work history and major duties, education, and any specialized training or skills related to the position. List at least 3 professional references including: names, titles, organization name, phone numbers, email addresses, and connection to you (these can be identical to the references listed on the application).
3. Complete the online application form and respond to the online questions, if applicable.
4. Mission Statement Response - EWU's mission is to provide an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence. We are committed to serving first-generation, Pell-eligible students. How would you contribute to this mission?
5. Please do not upload resumes that include photos of yourself.

Proposed Job Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Assistant to the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer (40%)

• Assist the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer and direct or support activities in relation to the Division of Business and Strategy goals and objectives. Exercise decision-making authority in designated areas and use judgment in handling confidential matters for the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer and other administrative staff in the Division of Business and Strategy. Relay information and direction from the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer. Assist the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer in the development of the Division of Business and Strategy cohesion and morale.
• Schedule appointments and establish calendar priorities for the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer with appropriate information for each appointment. Schedule and arrange meetings, make room reservations, assure that the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer is briefed on matters for scheduled meetings. Develop, prepare and /or assemble materials for meetings. Record and prepare minutes of meetings, agendas and information packets. These meetings include divisional and university committees, committees of the Board of Trustees and others as determined.
• Act as a liaison with the divisional units and other divisions of the university.
• Collect information to support or aid the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer in decisions. Research, collect and analyze data and other information. Review materials submitted by staff of the division.
• Compose designated portions of policy statements and proposals materials. Compose drafts and final responses to inquiries, letters, and surveys. Prepare materials for administration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Office Operations (20%)

• Manage and make travel arrangements for the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer. Advise Business and Strategy staff members on best practices and policies. Prepare forms, calculate costs, track costs, and prepare copies. Prepare and finalize monthly and year-end travel reports for the CTA.
• Manage the department procurement card. Assist departments with needed purchases. Prepare and finalize monthly and year-end reports for the procurement card.
• Oversee the Office of Business and Strategy Web site; implement updates to ensure compliance with university logo and identity standards, modernization, and current information is on the main web site.
• Assist in ordering technology when replacements are required.
• Oversee the management of the department's information and data. Maintain divisional and institutional documents and materials, including annual reports. Establish effective handling of highly confidential information and materials.
• Develop or update and implement office operations and procedures to include: filing and records systems, processing of mail, reception, inventory maintenance and control. Establish quality controls and procedures that lead to efficiency and effectiveness of the office.
• Collaborate with staff and administration and others to respond to requests, resolve problems and refer to appropriate resources/personnel.
• Support, execute or oversee designated office and sometimes divisional operations including but not limited to the areas of personnel administration, recruiting, and budget maintenance. Coordinate office moves; oversee and/or fulfill ordering furniture, supplies, and equipment.

Special Projects and Special Events (20%)

• Manage and coordinate special projects and events as assigned. Independently think through complex projects.
• Determine procedures and necessary steps, develop plans for accomplishing project tasks, and execute and/or assign project tasks.
• Coordinate recruitment and other events and activities for the department including scheduling, participant communications, and handling or overseeing logistics (site, equipment, IT support, and other logistics).
• Prepare presentations, programs, scripts, awards, contracts, etc. Serve as resource person to the division and university regarding events involving the Division Business and Strategy.
• Manage the Office of Business and Strategy events.
• Manage assessment for the Office of Business and Strategy. Track and report upon divisional goals related to the Strategic Plan in a consistent and detailed manner through appropriate assessment platforms such as Nuventive. Collaborate with divisional AVPs, advising on best practices and standards. Provide assistance with tracking and reporting upon their annual unit goals.

Personnel Administration and Supervision (20%)

• Maintain knowledge on contracts, policies, procedures, and practices, interpret and administer proper personnel practices and procedures.
• Establishes processes that optimize efficiency and ensure compliance with HR policies and procedures.
• Administer recruiting process for exempt/classified positions in consultation with HR. Supervise assigned staff: interview/recommend for hire, train, supervise, approve leave, approve time sheets, evaluate, coach/discipline as warranted.
• Co-direct the work of other office staff and student workers.
• Assist with interviewing, training, and oversight of office staff as needed.
• Conduct meetings with staff to provide information on policies and procedures. Respond and resolve day-to-day issues involving staff keeping the Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer informed.