Executive Assistant to the Dean of the Law School

The Executive Assistant to the Dean provides high-level administrative support to the Law School dean and the Dean's Office. This full-time position reports directly to the Dean, has discretionary authority and responsibility for carrying out job functions on behalf of the Dean, and exercises independent judgment in prioritizing work and problem solving. The ideal candidate will approach work with vigor and determination, multitask like a pro, display impeccable professionalism and judgment, operate at a high level of autonomy, and anticipate a need before it arises.

Primary responsibilities include building and maintaining the Dean's meeting and travel schedule, managing workflow and correspondence, and researching and preparing drafts on a variety of subjects. The Executive Assistant is also responsible for implementing and managing general operations within the Dean's Office, including staffing, facilities, budget, and special events. The Dean's Office is proud to serve a diverse population of faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and also interacts with a wide and varied group of internal and external constituents. The successful candidate will need to work well across these diverse communities.

Job Duties:

Provide Direct Support to the Dean - 70%

• Provide direct support to the Dean, employing exceptional discretion, professionalism, independent action, and appropriate judgment.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings, establishing appointment priorities, with Law School, University, and external people, including high-profile members of the University and legal community, both locally and nationally.
• Organize meeting materials and appointment files to ensure that the Dean is well-briefed and prepared for scheduled meetings, events, and routine executive functions, working alongside the Assistant Dean & Chief of Staff.
• Develop and improve processes and technology to maximize efficient use of the Dean's time.
• Make travel arrangements for the Dean and prepare reimbursement requests. Exercise discretion in committing time and evaluating needs.
• Proofread correspondence and a variety of written materials prepared by other offices for the Dean's signature.
• Determine priority of matters of attention for the Dean; redirect matters to the appropriate party, or handle matters personally, as appropriate.

Manage the Dean's Office - 20%

• Maintain daily operation of the Dean's Office within the Law School, including providing strong and welcoming customer service and appropriate support for those interacting with the Dean's Office, managing incoming correspondence, and overseeing Dean's Office facilities and operations. This includes receiving and screening the Dean's phone calls and visitors, answering a variety of questions with tact and diplomacy, taking messages, and directing calls appropriately for resolution.
• Supervise the Dean's Office Project Specialist and ensure cross-training to provide adequate office coverage, overseeing student employment when needed.
• Provide backup monitoring and oversight of reservations and activities for the Ballard Spahr Conference Room and the Dean's Conference Room.
• Forge and maintain excellent working relationships with Dean's Office staff, Law School senior leadership, faculty, and other key staff, including delegating and facilitating collaboration on projects and tasks as needed.
• Organize, maintain, and monitor appropriate access to the Dean and Dean's Office confidential electronic and hard copy files.

Provide Support for Key Administrative Functions at the Law School - 10%

• Manage the schedule and details of faculty meetings, review of probationary faculty, promotion and tenure process, chairs and professorships, and faculty reviews.
• Serve as liaison to various university departments and the community regarding requests for information and problem resolution.
• Develop and implement administrative initiatives, processes, and workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness and align with the Law School and the University's policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree with at least two years of experience, or a combination of education and relevant administrative experience to equal six years.
* Experience supporting senior-level personnel in a complex organization.
* Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
* Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
* Demonstrated time management and prioritization skills.
* Ability to interact professionally and with poise across a diverse group of internal and external constituencies.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate judgment.
* Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Zoom.

Preferred Qualifications
* Extensive administrative experience in higher education or in the legal profession.
* Experience working under tight deadlines in a fast-paced office.
* Technologically savvy.

One of the country's top public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve the complex social, economic and business issues of our time. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

About Dean William McGeveran
William McGeveran joined the faculty in 2006 and was named the twelfth dean of the Law School in 2024. He previously served as the interim dean and the associate dean for academic affairs. Dean McGeveran writes and teaches in the areas of information law, especially data privacy, intellectual property, communications and technology, and free speech. Before law school, Dean McGeveran worked in national politics for seven years, primarily as a senior legislative aide to then-Rep. Charles Schumer.

Pay Range: $73,000 - $80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).