Executive Assistant to the Chancellor

Job Title: Executive Assistant to the ChancellorReporting Relationship:Office of the ChancellorExpected Starting Date:For immediate hireJob Status:Full timeApplication Deadline: The position is open until filledAbout UsLocated in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, and following the successful launch of The Africa Institute in 2018, Global Studies University was established in 2023 as a non-profit institution for higher education by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Read more .Position SummaryGSU seeks a highly organized, efficient, and professional Executive Assistant who will provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the Chancellor’s Office. The position manages a broad range of executive office functions, ensures seamless communication and coordination at the highest level of the institution, and serves as a trusted partner in advancing institutional priorities.The Executive Assistant plays a critical role in facilitating communication between the Chancellor and senior leadership, administrative managers, and heads of departments. The role requires exceptional judgment, advanced organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to manage complex, sensitive, and cross-functional matters with discretion and professionalism.Given the nature of the Chancellor’s Office, the Executive Assistant must demonstrate flexibility, consistency, and the highest level of confidentiality in handling executive communications, institutional documentation, and high-level engagements. The position supports the operational efficiency and strategic effectiveness of the Chancellor’s Office, ensuring that executive activities, scheduling, correspondence, and institutional representation are managed with precision and executive presence.During the initial phase, the Executive Assistant will also support the structured establishment and operational setup of the Chancellor’s Office, ensuring appropriate systems, workflows, documentation standards, and administrative protocols are developed and implemented to align with institutional governance and long‑term strategic objectives. This process will be undertaken under the supervision of the Office of Academic Affairs to ensure consistency with university-wide administrative and governance frameworks.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide comprehensive executive assistance to the Chancellor, including coordinating and managing complex calendar schedules, high‑level meetings, and institutional events, and preparing briefing materials, agendas, and background documentation in advance of meetingsCoordinate follow‑up actions from executive decisions, ensuring ownership and timely completion across departmentsDraft, review, and refine high‑level correspondence, reports, presentations, speeches, and executive briefing materials for the Chancellor, requiring full professional proficiency and exceptional written communication skills in both literary English and ArabicServe as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, exercising discretion and diplomacyAct as a liaison to key internal and external constituencies, including government officials, academic partnersMaintain confidential files, records, and communications with strict adherence to university policies and data protection standardsPlan and manage logistics for executive meetings, retreats, and ceremonial events with attention to protocol and institutional prioritiesResponsible for coordinating and managing the Chancellor’s inbound and outbound airline travel arrangementsTrack progress on assigned initiatives and strategic priorities; support project management and document outcomesEstablish and continuously improve office systems, workflows, record‑keeping practices, and communication protocols to ensure operational excellence within the Chancellor’s OfficeAcademic QualificationsMaster’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, or related fieldProfessional ExperienceProven experience (typically 9+ years) as an executive assistant in a senior executive or leadership environment, preferably in higher educationDemonstrated ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgmentExceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demandsOutstanding written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic are requiredExperience in a higher education leadership office and working with governing boards, academic leadership, and senior administrators is preferredExperience in higher education leadership officesFamiliarity with institutional governance structures and academic administrationExperience supporting academic and ceremonial events at an institutional scaleCompetencies and SkillsProfessional presence and interpersonal skills to interact at the senior leadership and external partner levelStrategic t