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Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Finance and Operations - Internal Only

497953

Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States

VP Finance & Operations

Administrative/Professional

Full-time Staff

Closing on: Apr 21 2026

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This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered.

Salary/Position Classification

$60,000+ dependent on experience, annual, Exempt
40 hours per week
This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

Serve as an executive assistant to the VPFO/COO
Serve as office manager
Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency and facilitate resolution of issues
Serve as an advisor to the VPFO/COO
Act as a resource to the VPFO’s direct reports
Provide organizational support and administrative direction to the office and division with a focus on continuous improvement and increased efficiency
Conduct research for identified issues (division‑ or campus‑wide)
Complete special projects requiring effective coordination and organization of time and resources
Facilitate communication between the office, division units, and the campus community as necessary
Work closely with other senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, and external constituencies in a professional and efficient manner through oral, written, or electronic communication

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide support to the vice president for finance and operations/chief operating officer (VPFO/COO) with the primary goal of implementing the strategic goals of the VPFO and the Division of Finance & Operations (F&O).
Manage a high‑volume VP calendar, prioritizing inquiries and requests, troubleshooting conflicts, and making judgments and recommendations to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.
Advise and anticipate the needs of the VPFO/COO by providing files and pre‑reads, taking notes/minutes, and providing action items from meetings.
Understand and interpret SBHE, NDUS, and UND policies and procedures to ensure compliance and guide decisions, while keeping the VPFO/COO abreast of current events and situations requiring attention.
Facilitate administrative workflow to ensure timely flow of information, including obtaining signatures, reviewing information, creating drop files, and research and data collection for reports and projects.
Compose and edit correspondence, reports, and other documents while communicating and obtaining confidential information with considerable discretion and judgment.
Serve as a resource for the vice president’s direct reports; work closely with senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, external constituencies, and provide professional service to the University community and public.
Lead special projects, conduct research, collect historical/current/projected data, and focus on continuous quality improvement, increased efficiency, and optimal use of campus resources.
Make budgetary recommendations; review office procedures; implement improvements; oversee data collection and reporting to meet compliance and legal requirements.
Prepare and submit SBHE and Budget Finance Committee agenda items; coordinate capital project and financial submissions; independently resolve issues on behalf of senior leadership.
Manage office operations including Shared Service Center coordination, travel planning, office equipment, records retention, website content, organizational memberships, DocuSign and TEAMS access, and continuity of operations planning.
Conduct interviews, write position descriptions, hire and train staff; serve as Twamley BSSR, Emergency Management Committee member, Space Coordinator, and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

Broad knowledge of technology (computers, phones, Internet, etc.) and MS Office products
Excellent business writing skills (preferred experience in writing correspondence)
Good organizational and analytical skill set
Problem-solving and process improvement experience
Personable with well-developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Independent and self-motivated yet able to work collaboratively was necessary
Detail oriented
Customer service focus
Deadline driven with the ability to be flexible and able to multitask
Committed to job flexibility and continuous learning
Proven problem-solving skills
Able to work independently and as part of a team
Self-motivated, goal orientated
Ability to thrive in a challenging and collaborative work environment
Demonstrated excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills including knowledge of grammar
Demonstrated ability to handle competing priorities and short deadlines
Exceptional organizational skills and able to work in a detail-oriented atmosphere
Strong project management skills with a demonstrated ability to handle competing priorities and short deadlines
Research and information gathering skills

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and/or experience
Six years progressively responsible directly related work experience
Experience with writing content development and editing correspondence and document
Proven computer software experience (MS Office: Word, Excel, etc.)
Demonstrated customer service experience
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience serving as an Executive Assistant
Experience with continuous improvement initiatives, project management and organizational development
Proofreading experience
Strong understanding of ND State Board of Higher Education Policy

Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, annual & sick leave in addition to 10 paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Other UND Career Openings

There are currently no jobs matching this criteria

Additional Information

Find out why Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Need help?

Please email the Human Resources Department at UND.humanresources@UND.edu or contact us by phone at 701.777.4226. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.