Academic Administrative Assistant - English Department

The English Department at Williams College is excited to announce an opening for an Academic Administrative Assistant. Our Academic Admin Assistant oversees the day to day running of the department, working closely with the Chair and a dedicated group of faculty, as well as students.  

English seeks to offer the best possible education in the study of literature and culture to Williams students, to support high quality research and teaching by its faculty members, and to nurture a strong sense of academic community.  The Academic Admin Assistant assists the Chair and other academic unit staff members in achieving these goals. Under the supervision of the department chair, this position performs a wide range of administrative duties to support the successful operations of the department.  This role is the first point-of-contact for faculty and students. 

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive.

The Academic Administrative Assistant’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as primary point of contact and information resource for students and visitors

• Monitor and manage departmental budgets and expenditures 

• Assist department chair in various administrative tasks and maintain records

• Submit course offerings, organize classroom assignments, and course evaluations

• Assist in staff and faculty recruitment and hiring process (e.g. arranging advertisements for position, organize campus visits by candidates), manage the employment of student teaching assistants

• Manage departmental communications, including email, website, and social media

• Organize publicity, travel, and arrangements to support guest lecturers and unit programming events, including maintaining various calendars, and arranging travel, accommodations, and itineraries

• Maintain confidential materials used in faculty evaluations and the preparation of materials for reports and record keeping

• Facilitate general office duties (ie. request work orders, contact external vendors, oversee printers, assist with course preparation, order supplies)

Qualifications:

• Associates degree or equivalent is required.

• Between 2-5 years of relevant experience is required.

• Experience with Workday, Google Office Suite, Microsoft Office, and Adobe is preferred.

• Attention to detail, strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. 

• Excellent word processing and data entry; financial record keeping and budgeting skills. 

• Proofreading and editing skills.

• Willingness and the ability to learn new software as necessary, including to help keep departmental website up to date. 

In select circumstances, hybrid on-site/remote work arrangements may be available for 1 day per week with approval for employees based in NY, MA, CT, or VT, subject to review and revision as policy evolves. This position requires a minimum of 4 days per week of on-campus, in person work, following a fully in-person onboarding period.

This 35-hour per week, year-round (12-month) position is eligible for Williams College’s robust benefits package designed to support you in your work and overall health and wellness. 

Application review will begin on July 22, 2026 , and continue until the position is filled. Pay range is from $25 to $27.50, commensurate with experience. 

A cover letter is required in order for your application to be considered. Cover letters must be written by the candidate without the use of A.I. Please attach your cover letter in your application as a separate document. In your letter, please address your interest in this particular position and the strengths you would bring to the Williams College English Department in this role.  Applicants should highlight relevant experience with building, working with, and supporting a broadly diverse employee community and are encouraged to include information in regard to meeting the qualifications outlined above. 

Please visit http://careers.williams.edu to apply.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at [email protected].