Chair's Assistant

Union / Affiliation : C.U.P.E. Local 3338

Pay range : $28.82 hourly plus 14% in lieu of benefits SFU Department Descr : Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences - Political Science

Position Grade : 7

# of openings : 1

Biweekly Hours : 42

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The Department of Political Science at Simon Fraser University is a dynamic academic unit committed to excellence in research, teaching, and service. The department supports undergraduate and graduate programs and contributes to SFU’s strategic priorities through innovative scholarship and community engagement. Our administrative team provides essential operational support to faculty, students, and departmental leadership. We value collaboration, professionalism, discretion, and service excellence in a collegial and fast-paced academic environment.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, Academic & Administrative Services, and supporting the Department Chair, the Assistant to the Chair provides confidential administrative and secretarial support in a busy academic environment. The role coordinates departmental governance processes including tenure and promotion, salary reviews, faculty appointments, and search committees. The incumbent manages complex documentation, prepares reports and correspondence, schedules meetings and events, and maintains confidential personnel records. The position also supports grant applications, departmental events, and faculty recruitment processes. This role requires a high level of organization, discretion, attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage confidential information with discretion. They demonstrate strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, and university partners. Experience in an academic or complex administrative environment is an asset. The successful candidate is adaptable, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

High school graduation one-year post-secondary education including courses in word processing, spreadsheet and database applications, and office procedures. 3 years of minimum related experience. An equivalent combination of formal education, certificate / program of study and experience is acceptable.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive material with discretion.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and web applications at an intermediate level.
• Ability to exercise mature judgment, initiative, tact, and diplomacy.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338) :

Additional Information

The assignment end date is December 18, 2026.

Priority will be given to qualified registered SFU students who must submit a Spring 2026 class schedule with their application. This is a part-time position working 42 hours biweekly. There is 1position available.