Administrative Assistant

Job Description:

About MRU

Founded in 1+10 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University has grown from a vibrant college in the 1+30s to become a mid-sized university in 200+. We offer smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.

A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, we are known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Learn more at mru.ca/AcademicPlan.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse ****** orientation and gender identities) to apply.

About the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology is one of four departments in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Mount Royal University. Mount Royal’s Faculty of Science and Technology offers Bachelor degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Data Science, Environmental Science, Geology, and General Science, which allow students to prepare for a variety of exciting careers in science and technology. The Department of Biology is responsible for delivering and administering the courses in the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree, which allows students to choose one of three concentrations: Cellular & Molecular Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. The Department of Biology is also responsible for delivering the Honours Biology degree, which is available to Biology majors in any concentration, and a Biology minor.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chair of Biology, the Administrative Assistant to the Department of Biology performs a range of administrative duties to support the effective day-to-day operations within the Department of Biology. The Administrative Assistant ensures effective support for ongoing departmental operations such as book orders, contracts, scheduling, budget oversight, and departmental and faculty committees. In addition, the Administrative Assistant acts as a communication link between the faculty and staff of the department. Other key responsibilities include supporting the Chair of Biology by maintaining their calendar, and assisting the Chair with class scheduling, workload reporting, and hiring processes. This is a full time position working 35 hours per week.

Responsibilities
• Perform a range of general administrative duties to ensure that effective administrative support is provided to the Department and the Chair.
• Act as the central point of communications and deal with a range of inquiries (phone/in-person/email) by responding directly or referring queries as appropriate.
• Responsible for data entry and scheduling as well as providing assistance to ensure effective academic program delivery.
• Assist with the administration and monitoring of the department budget.
• Communicate and problem solve with other university units, in particular: Scheduling, Marketing, Facilities Management, Human Resources and Payroll.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Provide basic technical support to ensure effective operation of department resources (photocopier, printers, and telephones).
• Provide support to the Faculty of Science & Technology or other departments in the Faculty, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of previous administrative experience that aligns with the essential skills needed for this position.
• Experience as an administrative assistant in a post-secondary environment is advantageous. Administrative training (a diploma or certificate) is an asset.
• Excellent computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet, calendar management, and the ability to learn a variety of different institutional software programs.
• Excellent organizational skills with experience in dealing with a wide variety of demands, e.g. scheduling, record keeping, minute taking, budget management.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to assess and manage priorities in line with deadlines.
• Ability to employ sound judgment, to act professionally, and to have the confidence to be proactive in the completion of tasks with little supervision.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to employ humour and natural curiosity to foster positive interactions with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days, and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.

Our campus offers the convenience of a medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees, and the public.

Salary: $45,++2 - 58,244 per annum

Closing Date: August 1+, 2024

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, ++++++, CV.pdf).