Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number
S06878P

Position Title
Executive Operations Assistant for Vice President & Chief of Staff

Functional Title

Department
VP Strategic Initiatives

Salary Range
$90k to $100K; depending on qualifications

Pay Basis
Monthly

Position Status
Regular full-time

Location
Richardson

Position End Date (if temporary)
08/31/2026

Posting Open Date
02/12/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Desired Start Date
03/16/2026

Job Summary

The Executive Operations Assistant serves as a strategic partner to the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff, providing high-level operational support for an executive office responsible for coordinating university-wide strategic initiatives and advising the President. This role requires exceptional political acumen, institutional knowledge, and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. This is not a traditional executive assistant role. We seek a proactive, seasoned professional who understands the complexity of higher education administration, has deep knowledge of UT Dallas and/or the UT System, and possesses
the judgment to navigate sensitive situations with discretion and strategic thinking.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor' degree and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience working in a higher education environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience supporting executive-level leadership in higher education or complex organizations
• Familiarity with strategic planning processes and university governance structures
• Established network of relationships across UT Dallas divisions and UT System offices
• Experience with Board preparation or materials development
• Familiarity with, or interest in learning, modern data visualization tools and techniques
• Knowledge of Texas public higher education policy environment
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with 10+ years of experience

Other Qualifications

To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Support and Coordination (40%)

• Serve as primary liaison between the VP and campus stakeholders, maintaining awareness of institutional dynamics, priorities, and politics
• Anticipate the VP's needs across short-term deliverables and long-term strategic cycles (including quarterly UT System Board of Regents meetings)
• Staff coordination efforts between the VP and the Associate Vice President for University Initiatives, particularly around strategic plan implementation
• Monitor institutional landscape and flag emerging issues, opportunities, or concerns requiring VP attention
• Coordinate with the President's executive associate on shared priorities and Board of Regents preparation

Calendar and Meeting Management (35%)

• Own the VP's calendar with full authority to schedule, decline, and optimize time allocation
• Proactively identify scheduling conflicts and resolve competing priorities using institutional knowledge and judgment
• Prepare comprehensive briefing materials for meetings, including background on attendees, institutional context, and anticipated issues
• Manage meeting follow-up, tracking commitments and ensuring timely closure of action items
• Coordinate logistics for cross-divisional working groups and task forces related to strategic initiatives
• Travel

Operational Excellence (25%)

• Manage confidential information with absolute discretion
• Handle correspondence requiring institutional knowledge and political sensitivity
• Maintain organized systems for tracking strategic initiatives, commitments, and key relationships
• Coordinate with other executive offices to ensure alignment and information flow
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the office's mission
• Manage budget responsibilities for the office
• Office supplies and management, ordering, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA)

Essential:

• Anticipatory thinking: Stay two steps ahead without constant direction
• Institutional fluency: Leverage existing relationships and knowledge to solve problems efficiently
• Discretion: Handle sensitive information and situations with impeccable judgment
• Adaptability: Adjust quickly to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment
• Detail orientation: Ensure nothing falls through the cracks while maintaining strategic perspective

Important:

• Comfort with ambiguity and ability to create systems and structure where none exists
• Emotional intelligence and ability to manage relationships across hierarchical levels
• Bias toward action balanced with knowing when to seek guidance
• Commitment to excellence and representing the office with professionalism

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Physical Activities
Sedentary, Sitting, Talking, Hearing

Working Conditions

Additional Information

Additional Information

• Presence on the UT Dallas campus is essential for success; flexible/hybrid work arrangements permitted as project intensity allows.

• This position requires flexibility, including occasional early morning or evening commitments aligned with executive schedules and Board cycles. The role demands discretion, confidentiality, and the ability to manage competing priorities with grace under pressure.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

• Competitive Salary
• Tuition Benefits
• BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options - including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees
• AD&D Insurance
• Dental & Vision Plan Options
• Long and short-term disability
• TRS Retirement Plan
• Fertility Benefits
• Paid time off

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit for more information.

Special Instructions Summary

Important Message

1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.