What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Assistant to the Dean position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
SOP-Office of the Dean-450100
Career Area
Administrative/Clerical Support
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
Yes
Posting Open Date
06/05/2026
Application Deadline
06/18/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Executive Assistant - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC13 / GN12
Working Title
Executive Assistant to the Dean
Position Number
00062451
Vacancy ID
P021087
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. This position primarily involves delivering in-person services and typically requires full on-site presence. However, School/Division practices may permit limited flexibility, including occasional alternative work arrangements.
Work Location:
Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$70,000.00-$82,711.20
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).
Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary
Internal Posting for Current UNC-Chapel Hill Permanent Employees, Time-Limited Employees, Direct Hire Temporary Employees, University Temporary Services (UTS) Employees (Employed by UNC-Chapel Hill) and Layoff Priority Candidates of UNC-Chapel Hill.
The Executive Assistant to the Dean provides high-level executive, administrative, and operational coordination support to the Dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. This role is responsible for managing the Dean’s daily operations, ensuring effective prioritization of time, commitments, and communications in alignment with institutional goals.
Serving as a trusted partner and gatekeeper, the Executive Assistant manages a complex calendar, coordinates meetings and travel, prepares briefing and background materials, drafts correspondence, and proactively tracks key action items to support timely decision-making and execution. The position acts as a primary liaison between the Dean and internal and external stakeholders, exercising a high degree of independent judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive and time-critical matters.
This role supports leadership engagement by coordinating high-level meetings, facilitating clear and timely communication, and ensuring follow-through on key initiatives. The Executive Assistant may also provide support to other senior leaders within the Office of the Dean, as needed.
This position requires exceptional organizational and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced academic environment. A strong understanding of the School’s mission, strategic goals, and organizational structure, along with a collaborative and service-oriented approach, is essential to success in this role.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and three years of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience; or Associate’s degree in secretarial science, business administration, or a related discipline and one year of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience ; or Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Management Preferences
Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives in a complex organization. Experience managing complex calendars, priorities, and competing demands with a high degree of independence and judgment. Proven ability to draft, edit, and refine executive-level communications, briefing materials, and presentations. Experience coordinating projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and ensuring timely follow-through. Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact professionally and discreetly with senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Night work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Weekend work occasionally
SOP-Office of the Dean-450100
Career Area
Administrative/Clerical Support
Is this an internal only recruitment?:
Yes
Posting Open Date
06/05/2026
Application Deadline
06/18/2026
Position Type
Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title
Executive Assistant - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent
NC13 / GN12
Working Title
Executive Assistant to the Dean
Position Number
00062451
Vacancy ID
P021087
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited
Full-Time Permanent
Hours Per Week
40
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. This position primarily involves delivering in-person services and typically requires full on-site presence. However, School/Division practices may permit limited flexibility, including occasional alternative work arrangements.
Work Location:
Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$70,000.00-$82,711.20
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (www.pharmacy.unc.edu) is one of six health science schools (Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Social Work, Public Health, Medicine) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is one of the oldest health science academic programs at Chapel Hill. The School teaches approximately 600 PharmD students and 145 graduate students. The School has built a reputation for its continued pursuit of excellence, rigorous education and training programs, cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, progressive pharmacy practices, efficient business operations, and its outstanding faculty, staff, and students. The School was named the number one School of Pharmacy in the U.S. by the U.S. News and World Report. The School has experienced unprecedented growth and success and continues to strategically position itself for sustained impact, as articulated in the School’s Strategic Plan (https://pharmacy.unc.edu/about/oe/strategic-plan/).
Our Vision is to be the global leader in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Our Mission is to prepare leaders and innovators to solve the world’s most pressing health care challenges. We are Advancing Medicine for Life through innovation and collaboration in pharmacy practice, education, research, and public service.
Position Summary
Internal Posting for Current UNC-Chapel Hill Permanent Employees, Time-Limited Employees, Direct Hire Temporary Employees, University Temporary Services (UTS) Employees (Employed by UNC-Chapel Hill) and Layoff Priority Candidates of UNC-Chapel Hill.
The Executive Assistant to the Dean provides high-level executive, administrative, and operational coordination support to the Dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. This role is responsible for managing the Dean’s daily operations, ensuring effective prioritization of time, commitments, and communications in alignment with institutional goals.
Serving as a trusted partner and gatekeeper, the Executive Assistant manages a complex calendar, coordinates meetings and travel, prepares briefing and background materials, drafts correspondence, and proactively tracks key action items to support timely decision-making and execution. The position acts as a primary liaison between the Dean and internal and external stakeholders, exercising a high degree of independent judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive and time-critical matters.
This role supports leadership engagement by coordinating high-level meetings, facilitating clear and timely communication, and ensuring follow-through on key initiatives. The Executive Assistant may also provide support to other senior leaders within the Office of the Dean, as needed.
This position requires exceptional organizational and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced academic environment. A strong understanding of the School’s mission, strategic goals, and organizational structure, along with a collaborative and service-oriented approach, is essential to success in this role.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
High school diploma or equivalency and three years of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience; or Associate’s degree in secretarial science, business administration, or a related discipline and one year of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience ; or Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Management Preferences
Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives in a complex organization. Experience managing complex calendars, priorities, and competing demands with a high degree of independence and judgment. Proven ability to draft, edit, and refine executive-level communications, briefing materials, and presentations. Experience coordinating projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and ensuring timely follow-through. Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact professionally and discreetly with senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements
Evening work occasionally, Night work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Weekend work occasionally
Salary : $70,000 - $82,711