Senior Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Missouri-Kansas City

The Senior Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation provides executive, administrative, analytical, and logistical support to the Vice Chancellor and Office of Research and Innovation. This position represents both the Vice Chancellor and the Office to internal and external stakeholders, including research stakeholders across business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Calendar and Priority Management. Expertly manage the Vice Chancellor's complex calendar with precision and foresight. Prioritize engagements based on institutional goals, adapting swiftly to shifting deadlines and high-volume demands. Evaluate scheduling requests for urgency and strategic value, ensuring optimal alignment and timely coordination across internal, system-wide, and external stakeholders.
• Meeting Preparation, Communication, and Follow-Through. Lead comprehensive meeting support through meticulous planning and execution. Prepare and distribute polished agendas, presentations, and minutes. Monitor and follow up on action items to ensure accountability. Draft and edit professional communications-including memos, reports, emails, and newsletters-with clarity, consistency, and alignment to institutional voice and standards.
• Project and Workflow Execution. Drive progress across multiple concurrent projects with strong organizational acumen. Utilize tracking tools to manage timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication. Document, monitor, and execute workflows with precision, ensuring seamless coordination and on-time completion of tasks.
• Data Management and Dashboard Reporting. Collect, structure, and interpret data from multiple sources to support research administration and strategic decision-making. Maintain accurate Excel spreadsheets and dashboards, identify trends, and report key performance metrics clearly and concisely for internal and external audiences.
• Correspondence and Stakeholder Engagement. Serve as a professional liaison via central office email accounts. Respond to inquiries with excellent judgment, clear writing, and a customer-focused approach. Conduct background research, document responses, and ensure efficient, courteous communication with all stakeholders.
• Documentation and Process Oversight. Ensure accuracy and compliance across administrative functions including finance, travel, and procurement. Maintain organized, audit-ready records and consistently validate data and forms. Recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency and uphold policy standards.
• Event Planning and Coordination. Lead end-to-end planning for high-profile events such as summits, conferences, and workshops. Develop timelines, coordinate logistics and communications, and ensure events run smoothly. Anticipate challenges and apply proactive problem-solving with professionalism and flexibility.
• Web and Digital Communications Management. Maintain and update the Office of Research and Innovation website with current, accessible, and visually appealing content. Produce and support digital materials-including flyers, newsletters, and infographics-that are aligned with institutional branding and communication goals.
• Administrative and Operational Support. Ensure day-to-day operations run efficiently by managing office resources, IT tickets, supplies, and space organization. Anticipate and resolve operational needs with a proactive, solutions-driven mindset.
• Discretion, Confidentiality, and Independent Judgment. Handle sensitive matters with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism. Apply sound judgment to identify priorities, solve problems, and support complex initiatives. Demonstrate trustworthiness and discretion in managing high-stakes or confidential projects.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with high accuracy and minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and creating quantitative reports and dashboards.
• Experience in streamlining administrative and operational workflows.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism in engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience providing executive-level administrative support in a complex, high-profile environment such as higher education, government, or research administration.
• Demonstrated success in managing and prioritizing multiple projects, deadlines, and schedules in support of senior leadership or institutional priorities.
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Background in supporting research administration or research support services, including familiarity with grants, proposals, or academic/research operations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis for tracking metrics, and generating reports that support strategic decision-making.
• Experience coordinating communications, preparing written materials for senior audiences, and managing digital platforms (e.g., WordPress, communications tools, or project management systems).
• Skilled in streamlining workflows and improving administrative processes through independent problem-solving and collaboration.

Salary starts at $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.