Executive Specialist

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Western creates, disseminates and applies knowledge for the benefit of society through excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. Our graduates will be global citizens whose education and leadership will serve the public good.

Responsibilities

The Executive Specialist will provide expert administrative and operational support to the Vice-President (Research) (VPR) within the Office of the President. The role will review and evaluate requests, inquiries and issues directed to the VPR and other senior leaders as required, and will either respond, refer to another resource, or escalate as appropriate. The Executive Specialist will conduct research and analysis to make recommendations, complete briefing notes and coordinate projects to support the VPR. The role will support the coordination of searches for senior level roles, as well as committees related to the Western Research portfolio.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree with a major in Business Administration, Public Administration or other related field

Experience:

• 5 years' administrative experience supporting a senior leader in a large, complex office environment
• Experience within a public administration or related environment interpreting policies is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of general office procedures and with best practices for assessing, developing and implementing new business processes and procedures
• In-depth knowledge of best practices for handling sensitive and confidential information and with best practices in records maintenance
• Familiarity with project management methodologies
• Communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, write clearly, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
• Client service skills with an ability to apply tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive issues and a range of personalities, motives and interests
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to perform duties in a professional, collegial and courteous manner, while producing high quality work outcomes
• Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Influential interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships at all levels of the organization
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments that are accurate and thorough, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities
• Problem solving skills with a sense of urgency in resolving issues and getting tasks completed

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


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