Secretary to the Board & Special Assistant to the President

Job Summary:

The Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Special Assistant to the President is a dynamic and highly organized professional. This critical leadership role serves as an officer of the Board of Trustees and supports the President. Reporting directly to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the President, this dual role position provides executive-level support and manages Board operations. It serves as a key liaison between the Board of Trustees, University leadership, and external stakeholders. The Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Special Assistant serves as a trusted advisor, skilled communicator and proactive leader with a strong understanding of governance, higher education administration and strategic planning.

Essential Functions:

Manage all aspects of the Board office and its operations, including scheduling, meeting coordination, agenda development, documentation and maintaining the official record of Board actions in compliance with Ohio law and Board bylaws. Arrange and attend all Board of Trustees and related committee meetings.

Serve as the primary liaison between members of the Board of Trustees, the University's senior leadership, external constituencies, and contacts. Facilitate the exchange of information with the Board, ensuring that the Board receives important information prior to public release. Ensure timely and accurate responses to Board member requests.

Assist with the transition of Board officers and members. Orient new Board members and organize, arrange, and plan Board retreats, workshops, and special meetings and their related agendas.

Coordinate with the General Counsel on all matters of legal compliance.

Support the President in driving strategic initiatives such as the Revitalization 2029 program; manage special projects and cultivate institutional partnerships.

Represent the Office of the President and the University at key meetings, events, and engagements with internal and external constituents.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Provost, Vice Presidents, other members of administration and their respective staff to facilitate positive interaction and the flow of information.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Position Information:

Required Education: A relevant bachelor's degree.

Required Experience: Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible administrative experience handling high-level administration responsibilities with at least four years of experience in higher education leadership. Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal, communication skills. Demonstrates a high level of discretion and judgment in handling sensitive information, with the ability to determine and maintain confidentiality. Strong presentation and organizational skills. Strong computer software and technology skills. Ability to adhere to applicable governance requirements and manage a board protocol and etiquette. Project management skills. Public relations skills. Ability to provide leadership to a diverse campus and external community.

Leadership: Supervision of exempt level staff and project management leadership.

Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: The review of applicants will begin April 30, 2025. The position is open until filled.

Application Instructions: To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach a resume, a cover letter, and a list of three professional references to your profile. Please include contact information, including email addresses for your professional references.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Judy Casserman

Email:

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.