Special Assistant to the President

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Ramapo College, Main Campus - Mahwah NJ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300276
Core: Executive Core
Department: President
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: MN

Description
ABOUT RAMAPO COLLEGE:

Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) develops ethical leaders who serve as change agents across all sectors. The College's unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its liberal arts core, its size (approximately 5,500 students), and its setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains on the New Jersey/New York border provide an optimal environment for individualized, student-centered learning and leadership development. RCNJ's designation as "New Jersey's Public Liberal Arts College" by the State legislature is the foundation from which the College's commitment to an accessible and transformative undergraduate and graduate education is realized.

Established in 1969, CondeNast Traveler named Ramapo one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America. The barrier-free campus occupies 300 acres and is home to 52 bachelor's degree programs spanning the arts, business, data science, humanities, education, nursing, social work, social sciences, and the sciences. Ramapo College boasts an average student/faculty ratio of 16:1 and an average class size of 21; affording students the opportunity to develop close ties to the College's exceptional faculty. In addition, the College offers graduate programs leading to master's degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work, and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Every degree program is designed and delivered through the collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts of student-centered faculty scholars and staff who are committed to serving the public good through the delivery of an academically rigorous, inclusive, and a transformative collegiate experience. Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public institutions by College Choice and is recognized as the State's top college on the list of Best Disability Schools by Great Value Colleges. Further commendations include designation as a "Military Friendly College" in Victory Media's Guide to Military Friendly Schools, and as a leading college by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger's, Princeton Review, and Money Magazine, among others.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, managerial position, and days of work and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Note: This position is in the "NL" category of employment (non-fixed work week) and individuals in this role have no claim or entitlement to time off or cash compensation for hours worked beyond their normal schedule. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Compensatory time will not be granted for work done as an extension of the regular work day. It is the policy of the College to grant hour for hour compensatory time off, with advance approval, only when employees are required to work on a holiday. Time earned must be used within one fiscal year from the time it is earned.

Salary Range - $85,700 - $96,400

Salary is commensurate with skills, expertise and years of experience relevant to the position
Opportunity

• Working closely with the Chief of Staff to ensure executive activities align with institutional goals, the Special Assistant serves a vital role in ensuring the College President is well-prepared and effective in their leadership duties.
• This role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive individual with superior writing skills and sound independent judgment who is capable of managing multiple tasks, collaborating across teams, and engaging in the diverse range of activities in the President's Office.

Job Summary

• The Special Assistant to the President provides essential administrative support to the President with a primary focus on enhancing the President's effectiveness and readiness.
• While the role directly supports the President's activities and engagements, the Special Assistant works under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Staff/VP for Policy, Research, & Governance.
• The Special Assistant serves a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the President's activities via project, event, and meeting management; extensive communications; and other executive support functions.

Examples of Duties
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Support

• Provide direct assistance to the President in preparing for meetings, events, and speaking engagements by collecting and preparing materials, and overseeing logistics.
• The Special Assistant must work closely with a) the Chief of Staff to ensure presidential engagements are in alignment with key priorities, and with b) the Administrative Coordinator to optimize the President's time and attention.
• Take direction from and collaborate with the Chief of Staff to ensure the President's activities are effectively aligned with institutional priorities. Track key initiatives and priorities, sharing progress and challenges, as needed, with members of the President's Office and others.
• Work closely with the Administrative Coordinator to support prioritization of the President's calendar, ensuring the President is well-prepared for upcoming engagements.
• Accompany and staff the President at select engagements and meetings on and off campus.

Communication

• Working with the Chief of Staff to ensure consistency and clarity in messaging, serve as a point of contact between the President's Office and key stakeholders.
• Draft and edit communications on behalf of the President, including letters, speeches, social media content, and reports.
• Assist in gathering relevant information and preparing background briefs for meetings and engagements.

Project & Meeting Management

• Ensuring that timelines, goals, expectations, and deliverables are clearly established and met:
  
  • manage and support projects and initiatives that are often assigned by the Chief of Staff and led by the President
  • manage a range of meetings to include agenda development, minutes, and tracking of next steps

Event Management

• Lead the planning and execution of special events involving the President with a focus on:
  
  • timely and seamless coordination
  • adherence to executive standards
  • clearly communicated expectations, and
  • collaborative willingness to continuously assess, learn, and improve.

Confidentiality & Discretion

• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, adhering to the high standards of confidentiality and trust required by the President's Office.

Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• A master's degree or relevant professional experience in higher education administration, public sector, or a related field is a plus.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience managing complex projects in higher education or the public sector.
• Previous experience working under the direction of a senior leader and supporting diverse teams is highly preferred.

Skills

• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other productivity tools.
• Ability to manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build relationships across various levels within and outside the college.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-campus position.
• Occasional evening or weekend work will be required based on the President's schedule and college events.
• Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, a one-page writing sample, and up to three references.

Supplemental Information
EEO Statement:
Ramapo College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and other diversity programs. Ramapo's commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.
Ramapo offers a comprehensive benefits package through the State of New Jersey to full-time employees including health care, dental, prescription drug plans, retirement, pension, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

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