Summary
Join us at Iowa State University! The Office of the President is excited to invite candidates to apply for the Executive Assistant to the President position - a pivotal member of our team. This forward-facing role will support the 17th president of Iowa State in fostering meaningful relationships within the President’s Office and help ensure smooth, open communication across the President’s Cabinet and support staff. This position will serve as a main contact with the Iowa Board of Regents staff.
We’re seeking someone who is collaborative, hands-on in their project management approach, and committed to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. Additionally, we’re looking for an independent thinker with strong scheduling skills, sound judgment, and the ability to delegate effectively—someone who can prepare materials, coordinate event logistics, and bring a consistently positive mindset. Exceptional executive-level support experience, particularly in fast-paced and dynamic environments, will be essential for success in this role.
At Iowa State, you’ll discover a community that truly values collaboration and innovation. We seek a colleague who is organized, resourceful, and always ready to lend a helping hand. If you enjoy finding creative solutions, maintaining confidentiality, and making others feel valued, you’ll feel right at home in our office. We look forward to welcoming someone who will help make Iowa State an even more vibrant place to work and learn.
Key Responsibilities
Provide confidential executive and administrative support to the President, including managing communications, scheduling, and preparing materials for meetings, presentations, and events.
Screen and triage email and print mail, prioritize correspondence, and draft communications for the President’s review and signature.
Oversee document retention and maintain records in accordance with university policies.
Plan and execute arrangements for meetings with senior leadership, committees, and special events, including those hosted for the Iowa Board of Regents.
Arrange domestic and international travel for the President.
Collaborate with university offices and external organizations to ensure seamless travel and event logistics.
Hire, train, and supervise student employees; coordinate coverage and support staff meetings.
Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, please apply before January 1, 2026.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program