Job Summary

Senior Administrative Assistant
Purdue University - West Lafayette, IN

The Senior Administrative Assistant will provide high-level, professional support that keeps a dynamic team or executive functioning at its best. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking ownership, navigating complexity with confidence, and contributing to work that advances Purdue’s mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. This position will afford a great opportunity to work with a senior faculty member who is developing on novel medicines to improve human health.  

Position overview
The Senior Administrative Assistant will support an individual, group of professionals, or executive-level leader by independently managing a wide range of non-routine administrative responsibilities. This position coordinates key activities and touchpoints that help the team operate smoothly, while representing the department and Purdue with professionalism and attention to detail.

Key responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative support including calendar management, meeting coordination, and preparation of materials
• Coordinate events, meetings, and special activities, including logistics, communications, and on-site support
• Conduct research, gather information, and prepare reports or briefing materials to support leadership decisions
• Draft, edit, and format correspondence, presentations, and promotional materials with a high level of accuracy and professionalism
• Support basic financial and budget functions, such as monitoring operating budgets and maintaining financial records
• Handle non-routine inquiries and issues from internal and external stakeholders, exercising sound judgment and discretion

What you’ll bring

• Demonstrated experience providing advanced administrative support in a fast-paced, professional environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft and refine clear, polished documents and presentations
• Proven organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• A proactive, customer-focused approach and the ability to build positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners

Why Purdue
In this role, you will:

• Contribute directly to the success of leaders and teams whose work supports Purdue’s broader academic and research mission
• Work in a collaborative environment that values professionalism, growth, and continuous improvement
• Be part of a community where your expertise, initiative, and reliability are recognized and make a meaningful impact every day

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Requires a High School Degree or High School Equivalency (HSE)
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in an administrative support role

Skills Needed:

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

Additional Information:

• 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

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 3

• Pay Band S045
• Job Code #20002331

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.