Administrative Assistant, School of Business in Chester

Widener University is seeking an Administrative Assistant in the School of Business Administration to provide comprehensive, high‑level administrative support to the Dean’s Executive Team and faculty. This role ensures the Dean’s time, communications, and priorities are strategically managed to support both seamless daily operations and long‑term planning. Reporting to the Dean of the School of Business Administration, the Administrative Assistant is a highly organized and detail‑driven professional who maintains essential processes and oversees internal and external communications with accuracy and professionalism. Success in this position requires exceptional attention to detail, strong process and project management skills, and the ability to exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

• Executive & Project Management Support: Utilize project management skills to strategically plan, coordinate, and execute high-priority initiatives within the School of Business Administration. Manage the Dean’s daily and weekly priorities, ensuring readiness for upcoming deliverables, meetings, and deadlines. Lead special projects and strategic initiatives at the Dean’s request. Prepare materials for internal and external meetings, track action items, and ensure timely follow‑up. Maintain strict confidentiality in all communications involving the Dean, executive team, and interactions with the Provost and President’s Offices.
• Calendar, Scheduling & Operational Coordination: Maintain and organize project timelines and executive team calendars aligned with school and departmental priorities. Provide high‑level administrative support for daily operations, including reports, meeting coordination, and student-facing interactions. Coordinate travel arrangements, itineraries, and post‑travel expense reporting. Manage office logistics such as maintaining files, ordering supplies, and ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations.
• Stakeholder & Advisory Board Engagement: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external colleagues, industry partners, and community stakeholders. Support the work of the School of Business Advisory Board, including meeting preparation, communication, and follow‑up. Capture meeting notes, document next steps, and ensure timely communication of action items.
• Academic & Faculty Support: Support both Undergraduate and Graduate Business programs through meeting coordination, student communications, event support, and engagement with student organizations. Assist full‑time and adjunct faculty with administrative needs such as room reservations, textbook acquisition, and meeting academic administrative deadlines. Act as liaison with Human Resources to facilitate onboarding for new faculty.
• Event Planning & School Engagement: Ensure seamless execution of events through logistics management, communication, and on-site support. Provide high‑level support for key events, including student, faculty, and community-facing functions such as RSVP tracking, staffing coordination, registration management, and oversight of space, catering, and maintenance needs for set‑up and breakdown.

Secondary Responsibilities: Provide high‑level support for key events, including RSVP tracking, staffing coordination, registration management, and oversight of space, catering, and maintenance needs for set‑up and breakdown. Possess the ability to multitask and troubleshoot complex issues, along with the capacity to prepare clear, high‑level correspondence. Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the School of Business Administration Dean’s Office and Widener University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five (5+) years of experience in an administrative support role. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, including Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to proofreading and accuracy.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and effective working relationships.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues and partners across the university.
• Strong project management capabilities, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience with expense tracking and budget oversight, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Creative and resourceful approach to planning, problem‑solving, and execution.
• Sound judgment and discretion, with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of Colleague and Canvas.
• Experience in a higher education environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Evening and weekend hours may occasionally be required to support and participate in key events.
• May be responsible for delivering materials or information across campus.
• Ability to spend long periods working at a computer, standing during events, or moving across campus.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran. Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington.