What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Administrator III position at Merrimack College?
PCN 2057
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Research & Knowledge Enterprise (SVP), the Senior Administrator III provides operational support to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP). This position oversees office operations, supports research leadership, and facilitates communication and collaboration across academic and administrative units. The Senior Administrator III acts as a trusted advisor and liaison to internal and external stakeholders.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Anticipate the SVP’s needs by organizing daily schedules, preparing briefing materials, and ensuring readiness for meetings, events, and presentations.
● Draft, review, and manage email and written correspondence on behalf of the SVP, ensuring timely responses and professional tone. Assist with drafting reports, memos, and presentations; provide background research as needed.
● Maintain and prioritize the SVP’s complex calendar; schedule meetings, coordinate logistics, and ensure effective follow-up.
● Handle travel arrangements, process expenses, and oversee other administrative tasks to ensure seamless operations.
● Help plan external partner meetings, manage logistics, prepare materials, and support communications; in collaboration with the corporate engagement team and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
● Maintain confidentiality and ensure appropriate handling of sensitive matters.
● Partner with the Sr. AVP of Research Administration, Sr. Director of Research Compliance, and Associate Vice Provost of Research Development to track initiatives and key projects.
● Plan, coordinate, and execute ORSP events, including workshops, annual events, and receptions.
● Collaborate with colleagues across campus to oversee complex, high-visibility projects.
● Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree (in business administration, higher education, or a related field)
● At least 5 years of progressively responsible administrative experience, preferably in a university setting.
● Demonstrated experience and/or aptitude supporting senior executives or academic leaders.
Required Skills and Competencies:
● Exceptional organizational, planning, and analytical skills.
● High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
● Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, calendar systems, and administrative software tools.
● Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
Application Materials Should Include:
Resume or CV
Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.
Work Location
This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.
This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Statement on Our Mission
Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.
Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.
About Merrimack College
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Internal
External
Salary : $75,000 - $95,000