Executive Assistant to the Dean

Job Description

The School of Pharmacy has an outstanding opportunity for an Executive Assistant to the Dean to join their team.

This posting has a priority application date of 8/10/26.

The University of Washington School of Pharmacy is ranked nationally in the top schools of Pharmacy.  At the School of Pharmacy, we are committed to educating the next generation of leaders in pharmacy, pharmaceutical research and health care – while seeking to ensure the safe, rational and cost-effective use of medicines.

About this Opportunity

The Executive Assistant to the Dean reports to the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration and serves as a trusted partner to the Dean, providing high-level executive, administrative, and operational support for the Dean's Office and the School of Pharmacy. This critical role requires a proactive and highly organized professional who can thrive in a fast-paced, multi-functional environment while managing complex priorities, coordinating projects, supporting office operations, and contributing to the achievement of the School's strategic goals. The position requires strong critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, financial management, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.

As a key representative of the Dean's Office, the Executive Assistant to the Dean works closely with internal and external constituents and plays an important role in ensuring a welcoming, professional, and responsive environment. The successful candidate must develop a strong understanding of the Dean's priorities to effectively manage scheduling and competing demands, while handling sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion, tact, and professionalism. This highly visible position requires exceptional interpersonal skills, excellent customer service, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities

Management (35%)

• Act as confidential liaison for the Dean, Associate, and Assistant Deans for the full range of internal and external individuals and offices which whom they relate: staff, faculty, students, associate and assistant Deans, department chairs, administrators, directors, vice presidents, vice provosts, research groups, academic groups, etc.

• Liaise with the School’s Advancement team on communication strategies to support the Dean and Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration. Exercise a high degree of judgment in communicating with all parties.

• Be alert to situations that require early intervention and attention and use independent judgment to bring issues to the attention of the appropriate parties and reach resolution.

• Manage and schedule meetings and take minutes for the Executive Committee, All School Faculty Meetings and other committees as necessary.

Project Management (25%)

• Provide project management for specific projects assigned by the Dean. Provide significant support in the development, implementation, and interpretation of policies, programs, goals, and objectives.

• Carry out special projects by independently requesting follow-up and action as warranted and establish priorities ensuring that all official obligations are met and materials are prepared to meet commitments within required timeframes.

• Serve as the main point of contact for the School of Pharmacy’s Combined Fund Drive annually.

• Serve as the lead staff member on the School’s strategic planning process. This will include participation in the plan’s creation and implementation. Use skills to help manage any required changes.

• Support key School events sponsored by the Dean. This includes managing the budget, working with vendors, selecting venues, creating invitation lists, and overseeing event logistics on event days.

Administrative Duties (40%)

• Manage the Dean's complex and sensitive schedule. Coordinate day-to-day activities to ensure effective management of schedule, meeting regularly with the Dean to review calendar and operational issues. Prepare meeting materials in advance to ensure the Dean is prepared for meetings and events.

• Serve as staff lead for School and University committees chaired by the Dean, Associate Deans, and Assistant Deans. Schedule meetings, coordinate agendas, prepare materials, and track action items.

• Manage the Dean's travel arrangements and organize travel materials. Prepare itineraries, process reimbursements, and ensure compliance with University policies and regulations.

• Manage the Dean's Office administrative files, including faculty personnel files.

• Work with the Assistant Dean for Finance in drafting and maintaining Dean’s office policies and procedures.

• Reconcile purchases made using a pro-card.

• Create content and update materials on the School of Pharmacy intranet.

• Answer Dean's Office phone. Respond to requests for information and refer callers as appropriate.

• Provide travel, purchasing, and payroll support for the Dean’s Office

• Support the Schools Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEIC) and the Elected Faculty Council (EFC).

• Responsible for use of pro-card and reconciliation for Dean's office transactions.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department. 

• Bachelor's Degree in administration, business, or other related field.

• 4 years of experience with administrative with supporting senior executives.

Additional Qualifications:

• Highly organized with a professional yet accessible demeanor.

• Highly developed interpersonal skills in person, on the phone, and in written communications.

• Proven ability to handle sensitive situations and confidential information with tact, discretion, and diplomacy.

• Demonstrated experience with financial analysis with strong spreadsheet skills.

• Proven accuracy and attention to detail as well as the ability to work efficiently and meet objectives in a timely manner.

• Strong computing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6 years of experience with administrative with supporting senior executives.

• Experience with content management system for website updates and HTML knowledge.

• Strong skills with UW Academic Human Resources policies and procedures.

• Advanced Microsoft Word experience. Experience with PowerPoint.

• Intermediate experience with UW Workday.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in person at a reception desk in a shared open office space with frequent interruptions

• Attendance at occasional events or meetings outside traditional business hours, including evenings, and weekends may be required.  

• Work is primarily performed on a computer using standard office equipment.

Additional Application Requirement:

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Applications that do not include a cover letter will not be forwarded to the hiring department.

 

Please address the following in your cover letter:

• Please describe your experience working with senior leadership

• Explain how you effectively manage multiple competing priorities, tight deadlines, and urgent requests.

• Share your approach to maintaining confidentiality, demonstrating professionalism, and delivering exceptional customer service.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$90,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$102,600.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.