Administrative Assistant to the Chair, History

Department: Department of History
This position is covered by the Collective Agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation District 35 - Technician/Administrative/Research/Agricultural

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
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General Purpose

The Department of History is home to over 20 faculty who teach and research in Asian, Middle Eastern, African, Latin American, Canadian, American, Indigenous, European, and Scottish History and with thematical strengths in the histories of health, medicine and science, the history of tourism and travel, gender history, digital history, war and society, environmental and rural history, the history of sport and leisure, food history, and the medieval/early modern period.  With approximately 7,500 student enrolments in History courses each year, the department has comprehensive and high-quality program offerings that include a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a Co-op option, a Master of Arts (MA), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department of History at the College of Arts to support outstanding research and teaching and to positively influence the student experience. Reporting to the Chair of History and the Administrative Officer for the College of Arts, the Administrative Assistant to the Chair is vital to the day-to-day operation of the department in delivering services knowledgeably, efficiently, and accurately to faculty, students and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

The position supports the department by administering academic appointments, course scheduling, facilitating course evaluations, monitoring the department’s operating budget, processing financial transactions, overseeing HR administration, interpreting administrative policies, initiating and monitoring office maintenance and supporting the administrative activities of the department. In supporting the Chair of History, the role provides support for scheduling department meetings and activities, correspondence and filing systems, and the tenure, promotion, and performance processes at the department level. The Administrative Assistant communicates with various stakeholders in a professional manner, demonstrating an exemplary level of service. The role maintains a close working relationship with the Dean’s Office, providing reporting on various departmental data and participating in college-wide administrative initiatives. The position provides functional guidance to a full-time Academic Programs Assistant, who is key to the operations of the department from supporting grade submission to graduate student management, and general office administration.

Requirements

• While a variety of combinations of education and experience are valued, the minimum requirements are one (1) year of community college in Office Administration (two-year community college degree in Business Administration is preferred) and a minimum of two (2) years of previous experience providing administrative support, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience providing administrative support for a Chair or Director in a University environment and within an arts and humanities discipline would be an asset. Familiarity with the discipline of history would be an asset.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office 365 and experience with a wide variety of institutional software packages that support academic program management, human resource management, financial administration, and student services.
• Proven ability to provide leadership within a small working group and act as an effective team member of a large and diverse organization.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with coworkers and University stakeholders in an equitable and accessible manner to contribute to a culture of inclusion and respect.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact diplomatically and tactfully with students, staff, and faculty while providing excellent service with a positive attitude.
• Excellent personal judgment, organizational skills, and problem-solving ability to multitask and prioritize duties while dealing with interruptions and competing deadlines.
• Ability to take initiative to pro-actively identify potential problems or outstanding tasks, prepare required supporting information, and make recommendations so that tasks can be completed, or decisions can be made efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures at a University in a wide variety of functional areas such as academic programs, human resources, financial services, research, student awards, etc.
• Familiarity with policies and procedures at a University in a wide variety of functional areas such as academic programs, human resources, financial services, research, student awards, etc.

Employee Type: Regular  
Position Number: 10270027   
Classification: OSSTF/TARA, District 35 Salary: Band 4      
OSSTF/TARA Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 06/24/2025 
Close Date: 07/08/2025