Widener University is currently seeking an Academic Secretary in the Departments of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering. This position reports to the chairs of the two departments and will be responsible for supporting the chairs and faculty of both.

The School of Engineering consists of six departments of biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and robotics engineering, and offers both undergraduate and masters’ programs in a professional environment designed to enhance career development.

The School of Engineering is committed to the principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from those who share our dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive teaching, learning, and working environment. We believe that students, faculty, and staff should have equitable opportunities to pursue and advance toward their professional goals without marginalization or exclusion due to their differences. The diversity of our community is central to our success as a vibrant center of learning, teaching, research, and civic engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities: (include but are not limited to)

Essential Duties:

• Establish a warm and welcoming office environment.
• Maintain and update student files.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.
• Handle all communications in a professional manner.
• Update degree audit forms in a timely manner.
• Maintain Department portal on my.widener.edu.
• Provide administrative support to department chair, faculty and staff.
• Track departmental budget and report to the dept. chair and dean’s office.
• Order departmental supplies, lab supplies, equipment, and textbooks.
• Assist department chairs on special projects and reports.
• Maintain department calendar, bulletin boards and update displays.
• Address telephone and email inquiries, and redirect as appropriate.
• Coordinate arrangements with facilities and catering as needed.

Secondary responsibilities:

• Assist with outreach, recruitment, senior projects, and special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department and the school.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Education/Training and Experience Required):

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) + years of secretarial support experience in a service-oriented environment or any combination of experience, training or education, which provides the necessary skills, ability and knowledge.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel).
• Demonstrated competence with data entry and ability to learn Office365, OneDrive Teams, and university Datatel/Colleague/Slate systems.
• Ability to navigate web-based programs including, but not limited to, learning management system (Canvas) and teleconference software (Zoom).
• Superior interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.

Preferred:

• Five (5) + years of secretarial experience in a service-oriented environment
• Experience in higher education
• Demonstrate competence in university Datatel/Colleague/Slate systems, Office365, Teams, and OneDrive.
• Familiarity with budgeting

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Job requires ability to sit and work at computer for long periods. Ability to conduct business on phone and answer in a timely manner. Ability to move between offices, floors and buildings on campus.
• Some evenings and weekends may be required for events.

Qualified candidates must submit resume and cover letter for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected to interview will be contacted.

Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University requires all prospective employees to provide proof of taking the primary vaccination series against COVID-19 prior to employment or apply and be approved for a medical/religious exemption. Offers may be rescinded if the new employee does not provide proof of taking the primary vaccination series in a timely manner.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington.