Executive Assistant to the President
Office of the President
Fort Lewis College
Durango, Colorado
Position Summary
This is an exempt, full-time position reporting directly to the President on all matters with the ability to
make high-level, appropriate judgments in all areas. The Executive Assistant provides executive level
support in a one-on-one working relationship to ensure the success of the Office of the President. The
Executive Assistant represents the Office and the President, and has authority to commit the President
to action and make decisions on his/her behalf based on policy and procedures established by the
President and/or the College. This position must be able to work independently to meet deadlines,
shifting priorities, and an often demanding schedule.
Minimum Qualifications
 Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a business-related field or at least 5 years of experience in an
Executive Assistant role.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
 Experience in an equivalent role (Executive Assistant for a College/University President, CEO, or
similar position).
 Proven ability to handle complex and sensitive functions with discretion.
 Effective oral and written communication skills.
 Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Executive Support Duties:
 Responsible for day-to-day management of the office, including the supervision of an
administrative assistant in the president’s office.

Handles and prioritizes incoming issues and demands addressed to the president. Works
closely with the president to keep him/her updated on last-minute and changing situations.

Responsible for understanding and interpreting highly sensitive and confidential legal matters
and documents. Involves knowledge of Faculty and Exempt Staff Handbooks, Board of Trustees
for Fort Lewis College Policies and Procedures, Colorado Commission on Higher Education
Policies, State of Colorado Fiscal Rules, Fort Lewis College Policy Manual, legal correspondence,
state statutes, and parliamentary procedures.

Communicates directly and professionally, and on behalf of the president, to the Board of
Trustees, Foundation Board members, community members, campus departments, college
donors, state governmental officials, U.S. officials, other institutions, and all interested parties.

Demonstrates confidence and professionalism in building relationships on behalf of the
president. Works closely with the president’s upper administration to confer on business
matters, analyze or resolve problems, authorize exceptions, and distribute appropriate
information in a timely manner.

Manages an extremely active calendar of appointments for the president, including all travel,
meetings, conferences, speaking engagements, and itineraries. Plan and ensure that the
president’s schedule is followed and respected, which includes being the “gatekeeper” for the
president’s time and office. Prepare all documents related to meetings.

Schedule the President’s Cabinet meetings and agendas, take and record the minutes, and
distribute all information to Cabinet members. Work with Cabinet members as needed.

Responsible for official functions/events hosted by the president, as well as specific College
events, either on campus or at the president’s house. The Office of the President hosts
approximately ten large campus events per year, and many smaller dinners and receptions.

Tracking and monitoring (six) presidential and specified institutional budgets under the auspices
of President’s office and informs president of potential areas of concern. Has signature
authority on presidential accounts.

Responsible for president’s entertainment budget and creating annual reports for the Board of
Trustees and Internal Auditor.

Prepares correspondence on behalf of the president when appropriate. Processes and
responds to letters of inquiry, complaints, resignations, and other types of correspondence that
do not require president’s personal attention.

Manage and administer special projects or events as assigned by the president, such as
Strategic Plan planning process, faculty suppers, summer suppers, President’s Guidance
Committees, hosting conferences and groups.
Secondary Support:
 Maintains all exempt personnel files under the Office of the President’s direct reporting units,
including annual evaluations and departmental salary letters.

Works closely with eight direct reporting departments to the president, including managing all
standing meetings and related business.

Serves as part of the organizing committee for three commencement ceremonies per year.
Performs all duties associated with the platform party, commencement speaker, and VIP
guests.

Follows campus policy and procedures in regards to Office of the President’s files and
documents. Archives appropriate files and documents on an annual basis. Secures a record of
the president’s correspondence, presentations, schedules and calendars.

Arranges and hosts visits from VIP guests to FLC campus.

Administrative support for consultants hired by the president’s office, including managing the
contracts and budgets associated with each.

Assemble and provide all necessary documents and deliverables to the president for meetings
and conferences.

Prepares all travel documents and itineraries.

Provides support to the Deputy Secretary to the Board of Trustees as needed. Assist with Board
of Trustee responsibilities when required.
Administrative tasks:
 Process daily mail, greet visitors, answer phones, maintain office appearance, order office
supplies, schedule maintenance, order gifts, filing and archiving, approving annual and sick
leave reports for all direct reports, maintain contact lists, manage p-card statements, pay
institutional memberships, running errands and making deliveries when needed, other duties
as assigned.
Compensation
Salary is $60,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package. This is a 12-month exempt staff position.
Application Process
A complete application packet includes:
 Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for position
 Resume
 Writing sample
 Names and contact information (email addresses) for three current, professional references
Submit materials as one PDF file via email to:
Cheryl Betka, Search Committee Member
[email protected]
Application materials received by July 20, 2016 will receive full consideration.
Position will remain open until filled.
The successful candidate will be required to submit original, official college transcripts,
and pass background and credit checks.
Equal Opportunity
Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin,
gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political beliefs, or veteran
status. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and education shall be extended to
all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action
efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff.
About Fort Lewis College and Durango
Fort Lewis College is Colorado's public liberal arts college, offering baccalaureate degree programs in
the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences as well as professional programs in applied
sciences, teacher education, and business administration. The college has a diverse student body with
an enrollment of about 4,000 from 46 states and 22 nations, 24% Native American, and 11% Hispano.
The campus is located on a mesa top at the foothills of the San Juan Mountains as it converges with the
desert Southwest. The College contributes directly to the cultural and economic vitality of the area.
Durango is the hub of Southwestern Colorado, situated in a beautiful mountain valley with nearby
peaks reaching 14,000+ feet. A mild four-season climate allows numerous opportunities for skiing,
fishing, biking, golfing, etc. With an area population of 45,000, Durango is cosmopolitan for its size and
is served by major airlines with direct connections to Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas. It is 3.5 hours driving
distance from Albuquerque, N.M.