This position provides a broad range of high-level and confidential administrative organizational, communication, planning, and problem-solving assistance and support to the senior department leadership. In this position, you would be responsible for the management of associated logistics, including receiving, triaging, and scheduling multiple requests and opportunities as appropriate to meet the demands of a challenging, diverse and high-volume departmental office. Reporting to the Department Head, the Administrative Assistant to the Department Head is part of a collaborative and agile administrative team that provides support to the Department of Plant Sciences.

Working directly with the senior leadership, the incumbent must use their discretion and sound judgment to prioritize meeting deadlines in an workplace where there is continuous change, shifting priorities and frequent interruptions. This position works closely with the Department Head in a highly confidential manner to make recommendations and coordinate responses on behalf of the Department Head, communicate to the department on a variety of issues and initiatives, coordinate and manage projects and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholder offices, including but not limited to the to the Dean's Office, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and other administrative units. Attention to detail is important as the incumbent is responsible for ensuring that department's responsibilities and project work, under the direction of the Department Head, are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Provide timely, accurate and pro-active administrative support for all assigned duties such as: reception; distribution of agendas and minutes and ensuring all appropriate parties have required material prior to meetings; responding to telephone, electronic, and in-person inquiries; data entry, managing office filing systems; Provide effective and confidential support to the Department Head, including coordinating faculty recruitment (correspondence to applicants and referees, arrange interviews and accommodations). Strategically coordinate,



and support, and assist in the analysis and improvement of collegial processes in the department. Strategically manage assigned workload of the Department Head, establishing standards that provide a balance between meeting and office/work time, reflect realistic priorities in terms of who and when to schedule, and allow sufficient flexibility for shifts in response to the fast paced and fast changing agendas.

Represent the Department Head in all contacts, ensuring the right tone and interest are projected, dealing with issues and concerns, and appropriately referring problems related to departmental functioning as they arise.

Assist Department

Head with collegial processes, including CV preparation, case files, annual reviews, and teaching reviews. Assist with the creation, coordination and development of reports, projects and actions within the department's strategic plan. Work closely with the Department Head to prepare speaking notes, presentations and other such materials.

Provide effective, accurate and confidential administrative support to the Department Head including drafting documents, reports, proposals, correspondence, and other operational and strategic documentation. Involvement with and coordination of department strategic planning sessions/workshops/town halls, meetings, and retreats. Effectively manages and prioritizes projects as assigned to ensure completion within an appropriate timeframe.

Provide support to direct requests and queries appropriately and track and follow-up requests to ensure timely responses are provided and issues are resolved. Works with other administrative staff to effectively streamline operational practices and procedures within the unit.



Provide administrative support to committees as assigned and arrange travel and track expenses as required.

Models a positive, professional, productive and team-oriented work environment in the unit. An undergraduate degree in business, office administration, or a related field is preferred. However, a post-secondary certificate in office administration or a related field may be considered, as may a combination of education and experience.

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience providing administrative, communication and other support to administrative leadership.

Experience in in a university environment would be an asset. Projects high standard of professional integrity and proficiency in all aspects of administrative activity. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, electronic calendaring systems.

Plant Sciences Full Time

Equivalent (FTE): Posted Date: On Site The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action . We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships.

Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.

📌 Administrative Assistant, Plant Sciences (Saskatoon)
🏢 University of Saskatchewan
📍 Saskatoon