Executive Assistant to the President and Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT EDWARD WATERS UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1866, Edward Waters University (EWU) is Florida’s first independent institution of higher learning and the state’s first Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Located in Jacksonville, Florida, EWU is a private, Christian, historically Black, urban, liberal arts university committed to academic excellence and the advancement of learning, character, and service. With a growing academic profile and expanding campus infrastructure, EWU is dedicated to producing diverse and prepared graduates who are ready to contribute meaningfully in a global society.

EWU AT A GLANCE

Buttressed by a period of phenomenal transformation, Edward Waters University's enrollment has grown by nearly 40 percent since 2019, reaching nearly 1,300 students in fall 2026, its highest enrollment in more than twenty years. EWU has been recognized as the fastest growing historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the State of Florida, and in May 2026 it graduated the largest class in its 160 year history. In October 2026, the Jacksonville Business Journal ranked EWU number one among all colleges and universities in Jacksonville and on the First Coast for revenue growth from 2019 to 2024.

EWU recently announced a $33 million capital investment that will transform the institution over the next 18 months, and the University recently received a $1 million gift to its endowment from the Dimon Foundation. In December 2025, EWU completed its decennial reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges with zero recommendations, and it was ranked among the top 25 institutions in the nation for social mobility in the U.S. News and World Report 2025 rankings. The University offers seventeen academic degree programs, all available fully online, and is Florida's only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II HBCU, competing as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

ABOUT THE PRESIDENT

Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr. has served as the 30th President and CEO of Edward Waters University since 2018, and was the youngest serving President and CEO of an HBCU in the nation at the time of his appointment. A self-described geriatric millennial, under his visionary leadership, EWU has achieved significant milestones, including elevation from college to university status, skyrocketing enrollment, extraordinary academic program expansion, unprecedented fundraising and endowment growth, a historic athletics transition to NCAA Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), and a bold institutional rebranding supported by nearly $50 million in campus capital and infrastructural improvements. Dr. Faison’s tenure is marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and the elevation of EWU as a model for urban HBCU success in the 21st century.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Assistant to the President & CEO provides high-level administrative and executive support while serving as a critical member of the Office of the President. This exempt, salaried position requires exceptional professionalism, organizational skill, discretion, and the ability to work proactively in a fast-paced, high-demand, dynamically changing environment. The Executive Assistant works in direct collaboration with the Chief of Staff and the Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives to ensure the efficient and effective execution of the priorities and daily operations of the Office of the President in direct support of the University’s President & CEO.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a key liaison and a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on matters pertaining to the Office of the President.
• Manage a complex and dynamic calendar of appointments, travel, meetings, and events; ensure the President is well-prepared and briefed for each engagement.
• Work closely and in coordination with the Chief of Staff in managing all administrative functions attendant to the Office of the President including but not limited to facilitating presidential communications, initiatives, and institutional priorities.
• Serve as a liaison to the institutions Grants and Research Office (U-GRO) in support of coordination of the University's Title III Programs as directed by the President & CEO.
• Draft, proofread, and edit high-level correspondence, reports, presentations, talking points, and remarks for the President.
• Coordinate logistics for presidential events, meetings, and board engagements, including managing RSVPs, briefing materials, and meeting follow-up.
• Screen and triage communications (calls, emails, requests), prioritize action items, and respond independently when appropriate.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality in all matters.
• Assist in managing special projects and initiatives as directed by the President or in collaboration with the Chief of Staff. Facilitate management and oversight of multiple operations and staff at the direction of the President.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date files, records, and reference materials for the President.
• All other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or relevant graduate study preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive executive-level administrative experience, ideally within higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven environments.
• Proven track record of excellence in communication, discretion, and executive support.
• Strong ability to anticipate needs, think strategically, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling and travel management tools, and virtual collaboration platforms (Zoom, Teams).
• Team-oriented, with the ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally while maintaining a high degree of autonomy.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION

Exempt

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $65,000 – $75.000 annually, commensurate with possession of preferred credentialing and years of relevant experience in supporting an executive in a higher education or similarly complex executive setting.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

· Full health, dental, and vision insurance.

· Life insurance coverage.

· Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

· Tuition assistance for eligible employees and dependents.

Eligibility for discretionary institutional bonus compensation after the successful completion of one full year of continuous service.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full-time; frequent evening and weekend availability required particularly during seasonal University events and activities. Flexibility and responsiveness are essential to support the dynamic schedule of the President & CEO and institutional priorities.

WORK LOCATION

On-site, Edward Waters University – Office of the President

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT

Edward Waters University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EWU encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds who embrace our commitment to excellence, equity, and inclusive excellence in higher education.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please submit a letter of interest detailing relevant administrative experience, full contact information (name, phone number and email) for four professional references, demonstrable examples of leadership acumen, and related skills along with a comprehensive cv/resumé to complete your application. The email address to send cv/resumé and letter of interest is [email protected].

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