Job Summary

The Senior Administrative Assistant will provide support for the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Programs (SWPAP), Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC) and the Director of the  Purdue Agricultural Centers (PAC), PAC Superintendents, Researchers and the College of Ag Administration Business office. In this role, you will identify and address processes to solve problems or improve effectiveness of the SWPAC & SWPAP departments, administer and troubleshoot specialty programs used to collect, compile and distribute data from research plots and be responsible for training other staff to use specialty and office programs. You will process inquiries from Purdue staff, seed reps and growers by providing solutions, information or specialist as needed, compile reports for Clinical Engagement Professor - Plant Pathologist and Clinical Engagement Professor - Horticulture Specialist, for field, greenhouse, and high tunnel research projects as well as manage calendars, plan events, and schedule travel for Professors and PAC Superintendent. Additional duties will include: 

• Composing correspondence to researchers, growers, seed reps and vendors pertaining to research, meetings and workshops
• Maintaining financial records, email groups, and mail list for SWPAP and the PAC’s
• Working with seed companies to collect variety trial payments
• Communicating, coordinating and assisting business offices; Ag Administration, Horticulture & Landscape Architecture and Botany and Plant Pathology, with financial documentation, new equipment request, contracts, cost distributions and any other issues as needed
• Interacting with Purdue researchers and outside entities
• Serving as a liaison with seed vendors and the variety trials at SWPAC
• Administrating of departments web pages and specialty research programs

Position is located at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center (SWPAC), Vincennes Indiana.

What We're Looking For:

• Requires a high school diploma/GED
• 3 years of experience in an administrative support role
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to handle frequent interruptions, balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail
• Advanced computer and related software skills to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, etc.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels within and external to the university to support department needs
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures to proactively resolve issues or improve processes
• Ability to identify problems and implement or recommend solutions
• Drafting, proofreading and editing skills

What We'd Like You to Know:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime) 
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan 
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days
• Purdue University is an EO University.

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 3