Presidential Operations & Initiatives Specialist

This position provides flexible, hands-on support across administrative, operational, project-based, and engagement-focused work, responding to evolving priorities and peak workload periods. This role works closely with the Director of Presidential Operations and other members of the President’s Office, as well as partners across the university.

Salary & Benefits:

Minimum starting salary of $50,000, commensurate with experience.

Limited benefits package including medical, life insurance, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

1. Presidential Operations & Administrative Coordination

• Oversee a variety of operational priorities and logistics in collaboration with the Director of Presidential Operations, including budgeting and finance, Board of Trustees, and commencement support
• Prepare and provide quarterly budget updates using Workday.
• Assist with preparation and coordination for Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other cross-discipline teams organized by the President’s Office, including agendas, materials, logistics, and follow-up.

2. Project Management & Strategic Initiatives

• Oversee project management and coordination for university initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Presidential Operations,
• Support the implementation of the university’s strategic framework, Reach Higher Together.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking timelines, deliverables, and outcomes related to university priorities.
• Analyze project requirements, identify gaps and dependencies, and proactively and independently advance assigned projects.

3. Web & Communications Management

• Manage and coordinate routine updates for the President’s Office and Board of Trustees websites, through the applicable content management system (CMS).
• Evaluate website content for accuracy, timeliness, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities.

4. Office Coverage & Executive Coordination

• Provide backup support to the President’s Office Executive Assistant and Executive Assistant to the President during periods of high need or staff absences.
• Ensure continuity of office operations during peak periods.
• Provide additional support for the President’s Office events and engagement team as needed.
• Provide support for Board of Trustees-related activities as needed.

5. Hospitality, Facilities & Front-Facing Support

• Serve as a front-facing resource supporting the needs of faculty, staff, students, and guests within the President’s Office (Valley Campus) and John Russell Building (City Campus).
• May be required to provide hospitality and help create a welcoming, professional atmosphere at the John Russell Building on the City Campus.

6. Other Duties

• Identify and implement opportunities to continuously improve President’s Office systems, workflows, documentation, and processes to strengthen efficiency, coordination, and operational effectiveness.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing administrative, operational, project, or program support in a professional setting.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across teams and divisions.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, judgment, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with standard office software and collaboration tools; ability to learn institutional systems such as Workday and CMS platforms.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience working at Grand Valley State University, in higher education, executive offices, or similarly complex organizational environments.
• Familiarity with Workday and budgeting or financial tracking processes, including quarterly reporting.
• Experience supporting senior leadership, boards, councils, or executive-level meetings.
• Experience with project management related to strategic initiatives.
• CMS or website management experience.

How to Apply: 

Attach your cover letter and resume, these documents are required. Applications missing required documents will not be considered . The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Cori Kahler (kahlerco@gvsu.edu).  If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. 

 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future. 

 

Application Deadline: 

Application review begins Monday October 5 and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

 

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.