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Purdue University

Executive Assistant to the Department Head

🇺🇸 West Lafayette, IN

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $52K - $58K

💻 Other

🗓️ September 22nd, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

Purdue University is hiring an Executive Assistant to the Department Head in the Department of Computer Science. This role requires providing comprehensive administrative support by managing calendars, coordinating communications, organizing events, and overseeing projects to enhance departmental operations and foster collaboration.

Highlights
  • Manage complex calendars, meetings, and event logistics for departmental leadership.
  • Serve as liaison among faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication.
  • Draft, proofread, and edit high-level correspondence, reports, and presentations.
  • Plan and coordinate departmental meetings, seminars, workshops, and special initiatives.
  • Coordinate special projects by managing timelines, data collection, and collaboration across university departments.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
  • Proficient in MS Office and Google Suite with the ability to learn new systems.
  • Requires a bachelor's degree in Communications, Business Administration, Management, or related field plus one year of senior administrative support experience.
  • Salary range: $51,510 to $58,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience.
  • Supports the Department of Computer Science, a leader in research and innovation under the Purdue Computes initiative.

Executive Assistant to the Department Head Full Description

Executive Assistant to the Department Head
Department of Computer Science – Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
 
Purdue University’s Department of Computer Science is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Executive Assistant to provide robust administrative support to the Department Head, Associate/Assistant Dean, or Senior Director. In this pivotal role, you’ll maximize the effectiveness of departmental operations, facilitate cross-campus communications, and expertly coordinate a diverse portfolio of high-impact responsibilities.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Manage dynamic calendars, schedule meetings and events, prepare agendas, and coordinate complex logistics for departmental leadership
  • Serve as a liaison for internal and external contacts—faculty, staff, students, campus partners, and external stakeholders—ensuring smooth communication and information flow
  • Draft, proofread, and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and other high-level documents
  • Plan and organize small- and large-scale events, including departmental meetings, seminars, workshops, and special initiatives requiring independent research and organization
  • Coordinate special projects, managing timelines, collecting data, and collaborating with all levels of Purdue’s management and staff
  • Facilitate communications, resolve routine administrative challenges, and actively contribute to the reputation and operational efficiency of the department
  • Uphold confidentiality and professionalism in working with sensitive information and collaborating on priority projects
 
Qualifications
  • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred, and significant experience in executive administrative or operational support roles
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence
  • High proficiency in office software (MS Office, Google Suite), the ability to learn new systems, and manage multiple priorities
  • Professionalism in working independently and collaboratively across a complex organizational landscape
  • Proven event coordination and project management abilities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering a welcoming, collaborative departmental culture
 
Why Purdue?
As a Boilermaker, you’ll be part of a community known for its innovation, diversity, and boundless opportunity. The Department of Computer Science is a leader in research, education, and technological advancement. Here, your work directly supports the growth, reputation, and operational excellence of a world-class academic unit.
 
Apply now to advance your administrative career and help shape the future of Computer Science at Purdue University.
 
About Us
The Department of Computer Science is one of the fastest growing areas on the Purdue campus over the past ten years, and this growth will continue under the new Purdue Computes initiative. Founded in 1962, the Department of Computer Science was created to be an innovative base of knowledge in the emerging field of computing as the first degree-awarding program in the United States. The department continues to advance the computer science industry through research. Graduates of the program can solve complex and challenging problems in many fields. The increasing centrality of computer science in academic disciplines and society, and new research activities - centered around data science, artificial intelligence, programming languages, theoretical computer science, machine learning, and cybersecurity - are the future focus of the department. Computer Science is central to the Purdue Computes initiative, with faculty contributing directly to three of its four pillars: computing, physical AI, and quantum. See more information at Purdue Computer Science.
 
When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. 
 
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
  • Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business Administration, Management, or a related field
  • One (1) year of experience in a senior or lead administrative support role or equivalent experience
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered
 
Skills Needed:
  • Skilled in:
    • collaborating and communicating to build relationships with individuals at all levels within and external to the university to support department needs
    • interpreting policies and procedures to proactively resolve issues
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
  • Computer and related software skills to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, etc.

Ability to:
  • handle frequent interruptions, balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality
  • identify problems, generate ideas for improvement, and implement or recommend solutions
  • use discretion and independent judgment to make sound decisions balancing facts, priorities, and possible outcomes
  • use discretion regarding when to involve the senior leader or Executive, when to resolve issues independently, or when to engage others
 
Additional Information:
  • Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period   
  • Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
 
Career Stream
Professional 1
  • Pay Band S055
  • Job Code #20002357
 
The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $51,510 to $58,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.
 
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
 
EOE
Purdue University is an EOE employer.