Assistant to the Executive Director Business Development

Job Description

Job Aim The Assistant provides comprehensive administrative, operational, and executive support to the Executive Director of Business Development & Corporate Relations. The position ensures office management, effective calendar and scheduling governance, high- level diplomatic and VIP protocol management, and tracking of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Support & Calendar Governance Manage and optimize the Executive Director s calendar, travel schedules, and internal/external meeting logistics
• Serve as the primary point of contact and administrative liaison for internal leadership, faculty deans, research directors, and external partners
• Prepare and assemble briefing notes, background research dossiers, and meeting materials ahead of high-level meetings
• Protocol & VIP Communication Draft, edit, and coordinate formal VIP correspondence with government ministries, corporate leaders, embassies, etc. Oversee protocol logistics for diplomatic visits, institutional * delegations, executive campus tours, and industry roundtables
• Liaise with student ambassadors, project specialists, and external consultants to ensure event execution and guest hosting
• Operational Workflow & Action Item Tracking Track progress on action items, meeting debriefs, MoUs, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and institutional contracts from initiation through execution
• Maintain and update the central business development CRM database, partner contacts, and engagement pipelines
• Establish core office workflows, including briefing templates, document archiving, and follow-up protocols
• Cross-Departmental Coordination and Reporting Coordinate with legal, finance, and research units to facilitate agreement approvals and operational compliance
• Assist in compiling quarterly reports, dashboard updates, and strategic presentation decks for institutional leadership and the Board of Trustees

Experience

Bachelor s degree or Masters degree in Business Administration, Communications, International Relations, or related field with relevant executive support experience. 4- 6 years minimum of relevant experience in executive assistance, administrative coordination, or a similar role.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in CRM management, Google Workspace, document management, and workflow tracking tools
• Soft

Skills

Discretion, written and verbal communication skills, diplomatic protocol etiquette, and organizational abilities.