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Job Description

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

The College of Built Environments (CBE) seeks an experienced and highly professional Assistant to the Dean to join their team.

Reporting directly to the Dean, this role provides comprehensive executive and administrative support, acting as a trusted advisor and confidential liaison between the Dean and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The Assistant ensures the Dean’s priorities are advanced, operations run smoothly, and communications reflect the Dean’s vision and the College’s strategic goals.

Role Overview

The Assistant to the Dean plays a critical role in the effectiveness of the Dean’s Office. This position requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and organizational skills to manage a complex schedule, coordinate communications, support leadership initiatives, and oversee sensitive personnel and administrative processes. The Assistant represents the Dean in interactions across the University of Washington and with external partners, ensuring matters are handled with diplomacy, accuracy, and timeliness.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support (30%)

+ Serve as confidential liaison between the Dean and internal/external stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, University leadership, and community partners.

+ Manage the Dean’s complex calendar, prioritize competing demands, and ensure timely preparation for meetings and events.

+ Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, reports, presentations, and email communications in the Dean’s voice and style.

+ Research and prepare background materials, briefing documents, and data analyses for committees, meetings, and special projects.

+ Support recruitment and academic HR processes in collaboration with the HR Director, including confidential faculty and leadership searches.

+ Assist with preparation and oversight of tenure and promotion review (TPMR) materials and other academic personnel processes.

Administrative Leadership (60%)

+ Provide high-level administrative support to the Dean and Dean’s Office staff as needed.

+ Oversee document and records management, including maintenance of formal files and coordination of archiving.

+ Manage the Dean’s email, ensuring timely responses and tracking of critical issues.

+ Independently screen, prioritize, and respond to inquiries, exercising judgment and discretion in communications.

+ Plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for meetings, events, and special projects, including developing agendas, materials, notes, and follow-up.

+ Coordinate domestic and international travel, itineraries, and reimbursements.

+ Represent the Dean’s Office in communications with the President’s Office, Provost’s Office, Board of Regents, and other senior leaders.

+ Provide staff support for committees and leadership teams chaired by the Dean, including agenda setting, material preparation, and meeting documentation.

Other Duties (10%)

+ Organize and support college events such as faculty and student engagements, award programs, and recognition activities as needed.

+ Conduct research and analysis to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

+ Assist with additional projects and duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, communications, or other related field.

+ At least four years of progressively responsible administrative experience, preferably in higher education.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Qualifications

+ Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to represent an executive with professionalism and discretion.

+ Proven ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with tact and diplomacy.

+ Strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills.

+ Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google apps, and Adobe; ability to adapt to evolving technologies.

Desired Qualifications

+ Experience supporting a senior leader within the University of Washington system.

+ Knowledge of higher education structures, policies, and fundraising practices.

+ Knowledge of built environment disciplines and professions.

+ Strong project and time management skills with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.

+ Service-oriented approach with a commitment to collaboration and customer service.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$75,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$88,200.00 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 proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://hr.uw.edu/eoaa/) . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.