Executive Assistant, Miller Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism

The Executive Assistant reports to the Executive Director, John and Sandy Miller National Academy for Free Expression and Pluralism and supports the Executive Director as well as members of the Miller National Academy’s team. The Executive Assistant will play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the National Academy office. The successful candidate for this position must be an effective, professional, and diplomatic liaison for the Executive Director to a variety of audiences including university leadership, staff, trustees, alumni, and other constituents (internal and external). This role will require the ability to multi-task and prioritize many competing deadlines and timelines. Confidentiality and attention to detail and accuracy are essential to success in this position. The individual in this position must demonstrate a commitment to the principles of Inclusive Excellence.

The National Academy of Free Expression and Pluralism at the University of Denver will have as its stated mission to focus students, faculty and staff on the values of free expression, civil discourse, and pluralism, in community with a diverse set of some of the country's most prominent scholars and practitioners. Curricular and co-curricular experiences on free expression and pluralism will be part of every student’s experience; grants will be provided to support internal and external research projects dedicated to free expression; and visiting faculty and speakers will be given a platform to share their experiences and expertise. Over time, the National Academy will expand its reach beyond the university community, with a focus on turning theory and thinking into action on many levels – by   hosting leading thinkers/researchers, convening an Annual Summit on Pluralism, developing an essential K-12 civil discourse pedagogy, and offering civil discourse training to the corporate community—among other initiatives.

• Manage calendar for the Executive Director. Plan and coordinate the Executive Director’s schedule, providing support in prioritizing the Executive Director’s time and attention.
• Receive visitors, answer phone calls, review emails and promptly share them with the appropriate member of the Miller National Academy team.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Miller National Academy team, including coordinating meetings, tracking meeting notes and action items, and utilizing Microsoft Office and related technology tools for planning, project management, and relationship management.
• Provide scheduling support for individuals reporting to the Executive Director.
• Provide support for National Academy meetings as needed, including but not limited to scheduling meeting rooms, preparing agendas and materials for meetings, and cataloging minutes for meetings.
• Complete expense reports, travel arrangements, and note conversion for the Executive Director.
• In collaboration with the Director of Operations, serve as the building coordinator for the first floor of John Moye Hall and emergency contact for streamlining communications and coordinating building work and emergency access as needed.
• Assist the Miller National Academy’s team with specific projects as deemed appropriate and assist with general National Academy needs, as necessary.
• Perform other duties and support services as requested and assigned by the Executive Director.
• Support the logistics and planning for Miller National Academy events and programs.
• Attend key events, programs, services, and university and Miller National Academy functions. Interact with students, alumni, and donors.

• Organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders; including staff, executive and senior leadership, and external partners and donors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative-taking approaches to problem-solving, with strong decision-making capability.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse individuals.
• Proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion, an individual with impeccable integrity and high ethical standards.
• Ability to be adaptable to various competing demands and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high-performance goals and meet deadlines in a challenging environment.
• Ability to be a forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word and demonstrated ability to implement and use technological tools for planning, project management, and relationship tracking.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university program.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting senior level staff.
• Prior experience in providing administrative support at the executive level.

• Three (3) years of experience supporting senior level staff in a Higher Ed setting.

Advertised: August 05, 2026
Applications close: August 12, 2026

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions often occur, and stress level is moderate to high.
• Works occasionally on nights and weekends.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.