Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Manager of Special Projects

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

Michigan Law, one of the oldest law schools in the nation, was founded in 1859 and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. Michigan is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation, and enjoys international renown for its academic rigor, stunning physical surroundings, the faculty's preeminent scholarship, and an academic community noted for collegiality and warmth. Supported by remarkable facilities, preeminent faculty-scholars, and unparalleled architecture and physical environment, Michigan Law has a total of 21,800 alumni, 1,001 J.D. candidates, and 82 full-time faculty members, including 55 tenured and tenure-track, 27 clinical and legal practice, and 57 part-time faculty members. In March, 2015 Michigan Law had a 97.4 percent employment rate for the class of 2014. Contributing to the close-knit law-school community, law students have a choice of 6 student-edited journals and more than 50 student organizations in which to participate.

Job Summary

This is a dual-function role that combines executive-level support to the Chief of Staff with responsibility for supporting and coordinating special projects and activities within the Chief of Staff's portfolio and across Dean's Office initiatives.

The role requires strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and ensure a high level of organization and preparedness in a fast-paced environment. This role works closely with the administrative and executive support team across the Dean's Office.

Responsibilities*

• Provide high-level, confidential support to the Chief of Staff, exercising independent judgment, discretion, and strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Manage the Chief of Staff's calendar, workflow, and priorities using tools such as Trello, ensuring materials are organized, deadlines are met, and follow-up is consistent
• Coordinate complex scheduling across in-person and virtual meetings, often on tight timelines
• Draft and prepare correspondence, including emails and other communications
• Support the Chief of Staff in preparing and organizing materials and inputs for meetings and events involving the Dean, working with multiple stakeholders to ensure completeness and clarity
• Provide coordination and administrative support for special projects and initiatives managed by the Chief of Staff within the Dean's Office
• Organize materials, facilitate communication, and support project execution
• Assist the Chief of Staff in managing priorities and deadlines across projects, taking initiative to move work forward and resolve issues as they arise
• Anticipate needs and proactively prepare agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and itineraries; track follow-up actions to ensure readiness and execution
• Support coordination and planning of special events and programs originating from the Dean's Office in partnership with the events team
• Coordinate travel itineraries and reconcile expenses
• Liaise with administrative and leadership staff across the Law School to support the Chief of Staff's work

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of 7 years of administrative experience supporting top-level leaders or executives
• An ability to plan ahead, foresee possible challenges and adjust plans, and provide clear context and information to support effective meetings and decision-making
• Solutions oriented with a high level of accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Sensitivity and discretion in handling confidential materials and information
• Experience excelling in fast-paced environments through organization, time-management, and prioritization among competing demands, including regular follow-up to inform colleagues of progress
• Excellent communication skills and experience drafting correspondence and other written communications
• Experience supporting the planning and coordination of complex meetings, events, or convenings involving multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently, achieve high performance goals, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; ability to maintain composure when faced with urgent or emergency situations
• Expert level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Dropbox, Zoom, and Google tools

Desired Qualifications*

• Considerable knowledge of U-M policies and procedures, organizational practices, and protocol

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

275736

Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Manager of Special Projects

Exec Secretary to Top Exec

Ann Arbor Campus

Onsite

Full-Time

Regular

Exempt

Law School

Law School

4/02/2026 - 4/12/2026

Administration