Position Summary

The Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) within the Department of Community Sustainability is seeking a 65% time (26 hours per week) Office Assistant IV to provide administrative/secretarial support for the Center including the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Endowed Chair for Food, Society and Sustainability/Director of the Center for Regional Food Systems, and the CRFS Associate Director. Duties for this skilled and independent professional include but are not limited to: serving as the point of contact between the CRFS Director and Associate Director and other staff members and external partners; calendar and appointment management; meeting planning, budgeting, logistics, procurement, and on-site coordination for the CRFS quarterly retreats; planning and coordinating logistics for conference sponsorships and attendance, including conference/sponsorship payments, travel arrangements, accommodations, registration for team members; staying informed about the Director and Associate Director's priorities and strategic objectives to help manage time and resources effectively; composing and preparing correspondence that sometimes may be confidential; assisting with complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas including arranging travel and creating travel requests and processing expense reports; and compiling documents for travel-related meetings. The successful candidate may also be asked to take meeting minutes; draft, and/or proof-read and edit memos and other routine documents for the Directors; read and summarize materials to keep the Directors informed of pertinent events and information; and other duties as assigned to carry out the mission of CRFS and the Kellogg Chair.  The successful candidate will be able to prioritize conflicting assignments; handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.  They will be expected to represent CRFS and the Directors in a professional manner in all forms of engagement and communication and help to foster, facilitate, and maintain the CRFS culture of anti-racism, trust, support, and accountability.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired in the first two or three years in college, technical school or related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in maintaining account ledgers, departmental operations, employment, or in performing tasks related to the area of employment; experience in word processing, editing and composing correspondence, and maintaining spreadsheets and/or databases; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in a professional office setting, performing secretarial and administrative tasks, including experience supporting an Executive/Administrator with day-to-day communications, scheduling, taking minutes, etc.
• Experience/knowledge of local and regional food systems
• Knowledge in supporting and contributing to a Theory of Change and strategic planning
• Experience/competency in planning and executing high-level events and functions
• High proficiency in MS Office 365 products, Asana, and Enterprise Business System (EBS) at MSU
• Knowledge of University policies and procedures and organizational structure
• Able to observe regular office hours as scheduled with supervisor, promptly responding to all forms of communication including email, and engaging in the highest forms of professionalism in communication.
• High degree of knowledge of, and comfort and flexibility with, using technology in completing job requirements, including Microsoft Office suite; online search, file-sharing, and collaboration platforms; mail merge, calendaring, publishing, and/or presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven ability to self-direct and balance multiple streams of work and deliverables simultaneously, and to easily shift between working independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communications skills and experience using a broad range of communication tactics
• Experienced in communicating with a diverse range of audiences including food system stakeholders, funders, university partners, etc.
• Understanding of, and committed to, a culture of anti-racism and inclusivity 
• Available and willing to occasionally travel by car throughout the state and by plane within the U.S.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position
• Names and contact information of three references

Special Instructions

If you have questions about the position or search process, you may contact Ali Farra, af@msu.edu

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off dated position funded for 9 months from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/foodsystems/

Bidding eligibility ends December 3, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.