Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Athletics Department

Responsibilities

This position is a in person position.

Johnson C. Smith University invites applications for the position of Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Athletics. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented professional to play a vital role in supporting executive leadership and contributing to the overall success of the University’s operations and athletic programs.

The Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Athletics will provide high-level administrative and operational support in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. This role serves as a central point of coordination between executive leadership, internal departments, and external partners, ensuring efficient communication, organization, and execution of daily operations. The position requires a dynamic individual who can manage competing priorities, maintain professionalism under pressure, and support a wide range of administrative, financial, and event-related functions.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex calendars, coordinate meetings and travel, and support budgetary and reporting processes. This role involves preparing and editing communications, presentations, and reports; maintaining records and executive files; and assisting with financial processes such as purchase orders, expense reports, and budget tracking. Additionally, the position plays a key role in supporting departmental events, coordinating logistics, and engaging with university stakeholders, alumni, and external partners.

A successful candidate will be adaptable, detail-oriented, and capable of handling sensitive information with discretion. Experience in administrative support, higher education, athletics, or a similar environment is highly valued, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other digital communication tools.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with university leadership, contribute to meaningful institutional initiatives, and support a mission-driven environment that values excellence, collaboration, and student success.

Johnson C. Smith University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant administrative or executive support experience
• High level of integrity and discretion, with the ability to handle confidential information appropriately
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams; experience with travel coordination, expense reporting, and related systems preferred
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail; ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to navigate complex situations and drive results
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with a professional presence in both in-person and virtual settings
• Demonstrated ability to take detailed meeting notes, track action items, and adjust priorities based on leadership needs
• Resourceful and proactive, with the ability to work independently and collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders

Supplemental Information

To apply, please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three supervisory references including the most recent supervisor.

Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To assist faculty and staff in planning for their retirement, Johnson C. Smith University provides a 403 (b) retirement plan utilizing TIAA that allows for supplemental and matching contributions. Enrollment in this plan is not automatic. Employees may elect a percentage towards supplemental contributions immediately. Eligible employees are required to make contributions in order to receive the University’s matching contributions after one (1) year of service. The one-year waiting period may be waived if the employee participated in a TIAA retirement plan at a prior eligible institution (documentation required). A six-month waiver may also be available if the employee’s most recent prior employer was a 403(b)-eligible organization (verification required). The University will match contributions on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of 5% for eligible employees.

Sick Leave
Faculty and non-academic personnel accrue one paid day of sick leave for each month of employment the calendar year. Accrued but unused sick leave may be accumulated and carried over from year to year, up to a maximum of 60 days. Sick leave may be taken for the employee’s personal illness, medical appointments or the illness of a parent, child or spouse.

Vacation Leave