Executive Secretary

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest, experience, and qualifications in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relates to this position.

Job Summary

ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research) seeks a dynamic and positive person to join its administrative team, which provides administrative support to the Director, Associate Directors, and Assistant Director/Center Administrator. ICPSR is the world's largest social science data archive, serving over 800 member institutions and advancing research and teaching worldwide. As part of the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, ICPSR provides leadership in data archiving and curation and offers (non-degree) instruction in data analysis and research data management. ICPSR has a multidisciplinary faculty and staff numbering more than 170. 

Position Summary:

This role requires exceptional organizational skills, sound judgement, and the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships both within the University and with the ICPSR Council and ICPSR's member institutions. 

Responsibilities*

Administrative Support: 

  • Manage complex calendars, schedule meetings and travel, and coordinate logistics for senior leadership 
  • Draft, edit, and finalize correspondence, reports, presentations, and other materials as assigned 
  • Triage and respond to telephone and email inquiries for the Director's office, Administration, and User Support 

Meeting and Event Coordination: 

  • Prepare agendas, take minutes, and handle all arrangements for senior leadership meetings, seminars, and recruiting visits 
  • Coordinate on-campus and virtual events, including arranging for setup and catering as needed.

Space and Facilities Management: 

  • Coordinate communication with ISR Facilities to address building issues, redesigns, and renovations in the Perry Building 
  • Manage keys for ICPSR staff 

Recruitment and Onboarding Support: 

  • Assist with recruiting related activities such as posting positions, coordinating interviews, and scheduling candidate visits 
  • Liaise with HR and hiring managers to ensure timely submission of recruitment and hiring paperwork 

Financial and Procurement Processes: 

  • Receive, reconcile, and submit expense reports and P-Card transactions for ICPSR leadership, ensuring proper documentation and expense codes 
  • Process payments to vendors, consultants, and visitors in accordance with university policies 

Council and ICPSR Member Institution Relationship:  

  • Produce and compile materials for ICPSR Council meetings and other governance activities 
  • Act as an ambassador for ICPSR with respect to our member institutions and across the University, fostering positive relationships 

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
  • Minimum of two years of professional administrative support, preferably in a higher-education or research environment 
  • Proven ability to work independently, demonstrate resourcefulness, accountability, and follow through on complex assignments 
  • Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft clear, polished materials and maintain confidentiality 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across teams and stakeholders 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Dropbox, Interfolio, Google Workspace, and the UM Emburse/Concur expense system 
  • Knowledge of University recruitment/hiring procedures 
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and appropriately handle issues of a confidential or sensitive nature 

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience supporting senior leadership in an academic or large-scale research organization 

Work Locations

This position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within our overall Center policies.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

Based on the candidate's qualifications and experience, this position may be underfilled as an Administrative Assistant Senior.

Executive Secretary - salary range $60,000 to $65,000

Administrative Assistant Sr. - salary range $56,000 to $59,000 

Additional Information

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Why Work with Us at the University of Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. UM Benefits

Benefits include:

  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. 

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.