Executive Assistant to AVP/Dean

Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.

As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.

Job Description/Summary:

The Executive Assistant (EA) to Sonoran University’s Associate Vice President of Program Innovation and Dean of the College of Nutrition & School of Mental Health (AVP/Dean) is a trusted partner who provides high level administrative and operational support to the AVP/Dean to maximize her efficiency and allow her to focus on her core leadership responsibilities. This position requires the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion. The EA will provide advanced administrative oversight and support where results must be timely, high quality, and accurate. The role requires strong organizational, communication, and technical skills.

The ideal candidate is proactive and organized and can operate with a high degree of autonomy and judgment in a dynamic environment. Experience working in a higher education environment is a plus. The Executive Assistant to the AVP/Dean will be an active member of the Sonoran University community promoting its mission, vision, and core values and will adhere to high ethical and professional standards.

The position will be scheduled for 20 hours per week between the hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm Arizona Time with an expectation for flexibility when needed.

Job Responsibilities:

The Executive Assistant supports or is directly responsible for the following:

Administrative

• Manage the schedule of the AVP and prioritize and coordinate meetings across time zones

• Support academic meetings (e.g. Dean’s Council Meetings) by preparing agendas, materials, and logistics and recording minutes

• Act as a primary point of contact on behalf of the AVP for members of the Executive Council, faculty, staff, and external constituents by managing the flow of information, coordinating priorities, and supporting the effective execution of academic affairs goals

• Plan travel arrangements for business trips and events including managing expense reimbursements

• Update, distribute, manage access, and maintain records of annual performance evaluation forms for full-time faculty

• Support academic project management including using project management software (e.g. Smartsheet, MS Planner) to maintain cross functional integrated project plans

• Support AVP/dean with timecard and time off requests and onboarding for faculty & student Federal Work Study positions

• Maintain and refine internal administrative processes and electronic filing systems

• Coordinate updates to academic publications, (e.g. Faculty Handbook, Catalog)

• Other duties as assigned

Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Proven experience in a high-level administrative, preferably in higher education role requiring:

• Superior organizational skill and attention to detail
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Project management skills
• Basic budget management skills preferred
• Management of competing priorities and confidential and sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Representing leadership with professionalism and diplomacy
• Managing document, reports, and data with accuracy
• Expert-level proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Forms, MS Planner) SmartSheet, and an aptitude for learning new software and systems

Education Requirements:

• An associate's or a bachelor's degree
• A combination of education and significant professional experience in lieu of a degree

Background/Screening:

All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus.

• Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

Work Environment:

This role operates in a remote work environment. Employees are expected to maintain a dedicated, secure, and professional workspace with reliable high-speed internet. The position is open to candidates residing in certain states. Compliance with all company policies regarding data security and confidentiality is required.

About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover eaffective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing .

The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.

Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu.