Academic and Operations Specialist

McNeese State University invites applicants to apply for the position of Academic and Operations Specialist for the Deans Office in the College of Engineering and Sciences. This is a full-time 12month unclassified position. The appointment begins October 1 2025.

Position Number: U99178

SALARY:$45000

DEADLINE:Open until filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS:For the application process applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload the required documents listed below:

• Letter of Application (Cover Letter)
• Resume
• Three References (include: name phone number and email address)
• Unofficial Transcripts

Only completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed.

ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.

TO APPLY FOR THIS VACANCYclick on the APPLY button at the top of advertisement to complete the electronic application which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR:

Nikos Kiritsis at

Kim Dronett HR Analyst/Employment Coordinatoror

Office of Human Resources / McNeese State University

The Academic and Operations Specialist OR Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative and strategic support to the Dean of the College of Engineering & Sciences. Serving as a key representative of the Deans Office this position ensures smooth daily operations manages sensitive and complex projects and when delegated exercises authority to represent and act on behalf of the Dean at meetings events and in official communications. The role blends executive administrative support budget oversight communications and outreach coordination with a strong emphasis on professionalism discretion and independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive & Administrative Support

• Serve as the primary liaison for the Deans Office with internal and external stakeholders.
• Exercise delegated authority to sign documents approve routine matters and represent the Dean at official functions when appropriate.
• Manage the Deans calendar travel correspondence and briefing materials ensuring readiness for all meetings and engagements.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive personnel student donor and institutional information.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Prepare monitor and reconcile multiple college budgets (operating foundation endowed professorships grants etc.).
• Assist in strategic planning by analyzing financial and institutional data and generating reports using Argos Institutional Research and other systems.
• Develop and maintain efficient administrative processes to support accreditation compliance and reporting needs.

Communications & Outreach

• Draft edit and coordinate official correspondence speeches and presentations on behalf of the Dean.
• Represent the College at business industry alumni and community events to enhance visibility and partnerships.
• Create and oversee the development of promotional and informational materials using computer graphics and design software.
• Coordinate College communications with University Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent branding.

Student Faculty and Alumni Engagement

• Serve as a resource for students faculty and staff seeking support or information from the Deans Office.
• Assist in recruitment retention and outreach initiatives including open houses campus tours and professional pipeline programs.
• Support fundraising efforts by researching alumni maintaining donor/prospect lists and assisting in cultivation events.
• Organize and execute college-wide events (student recognition ceremonies faculty workshops alumni gatherings advisory board meetings etc.).

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide leadership for student workers and other support staff delegating tasks and ensuring accountability.
• Mentor and model professional standards for communication conduct and customer service within the College.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dean.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Business casual attire with business formal required for special events and external engagements.
• Regular office hours are 7:45 a.m. 4:30 p.m.; flexibility required for evening/weekend commitments.
• Reports directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering & Sciences.

Required:

• Bachelors degree
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience supporting senior leadership
• Proficiency with office productivity and design software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite Adobe Creative Suite Canva etc.)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to draft high-level correspondence and presentations
• Excellent problem-solving organizational and time-management skills
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment confidentiality and professionalism
• Resourcefulness and adaptability in fast-changing academic and external environments
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support College functions
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs

Preferred:

• Masters degree
• Experience in higher education advancement/fundraising or corporate/industry relations
• Familiarity with institutional research tools database management and financial systems
• Demonstrated experience representing executive leadership in professional or community settings

McNeese State University located in Lake Charles Louisiana is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001 et seq and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38 which provides for drug testing of employees appointees prospective employees and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator Krisshunn Youngblood Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at or.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana drivers license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a University-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services () or Educational Credential Evaluators Inc..