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Special Projects and Executive Support…
- Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)
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Posting Detail Information
Working TitleSpecial Projects and Executive Support Administrator
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202500668AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleTechnical/Support III
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$80,000 - $105,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on05/22/2025
Description of Work Unit
Colorado State University’s Division of University Operations serves the University through leadership in organizational development and sustainable resource management. The University Operations team utilizes the most efficient and innovative administrative practices while leveraging strategic partnerships with internal and external partners. The division plans and maintains the university’s buildings, grounds, and infrastructure through sustainable construction and renovations of existing buildings to support the university’s future growth. The budget and financial services teams coordinate and manage the university’s budget and financial processes supporting an operating budget of $1.3B and ensures that finite resources are deployed in an efficient, effective manner using sound financial practices. The members of the safety and risk services team promote safety on campus for our employees, students, and guests by assessing and mitigates risk to employees and students, including injury prevention and public safety services.
Position Summary
The Special Projects and Executive Support Administrator provides direct, high-level support to the university’s Vice President for University Operations & System Chief Financial Officer ( VPUO / CFO ), who serves in both roles. This position supports VPUO / CFO -led initiatives across finance, operations, and strategy in a large and complex university setting. The role includes executive-level support, project coordination, organizational and administrative assistance, and research using internal resources and AI tools.
This position requires a highly organized, adaptable professional who can manage competing priorities in a high-pressure environment, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships across the institution. The individual must be comfortable balancing detail-oriented tasks with broader strategic coordination, while handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion. .
This position may offer occasional hybrid flexibility, but regular in-person presence is expected to support the VPUO / CFO and attend key meetings. Occasional after-hours work required to support urgent meetings or deadlines.
Required Job Qualifications
+ Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, higher education administration, or a related field.
+ 5+ years of experience supporting a senior executive.
+ Experience managing high-visibility projects in a complex organization.
+ Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across a large campus community.
+ Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
+ Demonstrated organizational, planning, and prioritization abilities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, project/task tracking tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Smartsheet), AI tools for research and writing assistance, and collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Box, OneDrive).
+ Experience preparing executive presentations.
Preferred Job Qualifications
+ Related experience working in higher education or a large nonprofit institution.
+ Familiarity with university operations such as space planning, budget development, staffing, or strategic planning.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryExecutive and Administrative Support
Duty/Responsibility
+ Provide executive-level support to the VPUO / CFO , including managing the calendar, email triage, preparing meeting agendas, presentations, and tracking follow-up tasks.
+ Support executive-level meetings and working sessions led by the VPUO / CFO , including logistics, materials preparation, and documentation.
+ Organize and maintain digital and physical records related to VPUO / CFO initiatives and administrative operations.
Percentage Of Time30
Job Duty CategoryProject and Initiative Support
Duty/Responsibility
+ Manage project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communications for VPUO / CFO -led initiatives, including administrative strategy, operational improvements, staffing plans, and budget initiatives.
+ Staff highly visible, cross-functional campus projects requiring discretion, organization, and effective coordination.
+ Support the planning and execution of retreats, strategic planning sessions, and other key meetings.
Percentage Of Time30
Job Duty CategoryResearch and Analysis
Duty/Responsibility
+ Conduct research using public sources, internal data, and AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to support decision-making around university operations, staffing, and strategy.
+ Benchmark peer institutions, summarize findings, and prepare materials for executive use.
+ Support data gathering for reports, presentations, and planning efforts.
Percentage Of Time20
Job Duty CategoryCommunication and Presentation Support
Duty/Responsibility
+ Collaborate with the university’s communications team to develop and refine presentation materials, briefing documents, and executive-level reports.
+ Assist in preparing talking points and visual materials for cabinet-level meetings, trustee briefings, and other high-profile engagements.
Percentage Of Time10
Job Duty CategoryOperational and Organizational Coordination
Duty/Responsibility
+ Track staffing and position approvals led by the VPUO / CFO and assist with process workflows.
+ Maintain shared dashboards, project trackers, and filing systems to support VPUO / CFO functions.
+ Assist with logistics and communication related to cross-campus initiatives and workstreams.
Percentage Of Time10
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume that address the required and preferred qualifications of the position.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactSarah Daley, [email protected]
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested
Maximum Requested
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
+ Resume
+ Cover Letter
Optional Documents
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Special Projects and Executive Support Administrator
- Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)