Administrative Assistant IV – Departments of Anthropology, Social Justice and Community Studies

Date Posted: October 28, 2025Posting Deadline: November 11, 2025Department: Departments of Anthropology, Social Justice and Community StudiesType of Employment: Permanent, Full-timeGroup Affiliation: NSGEU Local 179, Group 6 ($43,410 - $51,418 annually)At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Administrative Assistant IV to join our Departments of Anthropology, Social Justice and Community Studies.What we offerAs a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:Competitive compensationComprehensive benefits packageDefined Contribution Pension planVacationHoliday closureSummer hour scheduleEmployee Transit EPass through Halifax TransitJob Information and ResponsibilitiesThe Administrative Assistant IV for the Departments of Anthropology & Social Justice and Community Studies works as a staff member of the Faculty of Arts and is a member of the Faculty of Arts Administrative Support Team. The Administrative Assistant IV works under the supervision of the Supervisor, Administrative Support Services, Faculty of Arts. This role provides secretarial and administrative support to the Chairpersons of Anthropology & Social Justice and Community Studies, and other members of the two academic departments including full and part-time faculty, and other personnel with links to departmental activities. The Administrative Assistant IV is the first point of contact to respond to inquiries from students, faculty, University staff and the external community, and provides appropriate referrals for complex issues. The Administrative Assistant IV is a resource and point of liaison in the department of Criminology and the Asian Studies Program, and other units within the University.The Administrative Assistant IV:Organizes faculty meetings, lectures, seminars, receptions and other special events, in person or online, including catering, agenda, notices, etc. Takes minutes at departmental meetings.Provides support for conference organization hosted by the departments.Creates and maintains filing systems and databases; organizes electronic and paper files and filing systems, and ensures backup and protection of material (e.g. meeting minutes, department policies, etc.).In conjunction with the appropriate individuals, organizes and coordinates visiting guests' accommodations, prepares itinerary and produces & distributes advertising flyers/bulletins of event.Assists Chairperson and Coordinator of undergraduate and graduate programs and/or designate with creation of annual timetable of course offerings.Serves as liaison between the Department and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in relation to administrative matters.Maintains the collection of master's and honours theses for all academic units and assists in administrative/clerical matters related to the supervision of honours, master's and PhD theses.Provides logistical and procedural assistance to faculty, instructors, visiting professors and undergraduate, master's and PhD students in all units, including liaison with Library, EIT, etc.Assists Graduate Coordinator by organizing candidates' files and forms for the graduate admission process,with progress reports on master's and PhD students, as required.Collects teaching-related information from full- and part-time faculty and reports, as required.Supports the Chairs and their designates in carrying out their responsibilities as outlined in the SMUFU Collective Agreement (e.g. booking meetings, maintaining and preparing files used for student advising, curriculum management, appointments along with related files, etc.).Provides support to the Chair for the hiring of part-time instructors (e.g. posting advertisements with CUPE, handling applications, preparing contract recommendations, compiling files for submission to Dean's Office, organizing three-year reviews).Prints, faxes, photocopies, and distributes documents for full- and part-time faculty, honour students, and Research Assistants linked to the departments.Manages office/lab keys and building passes and maintains key inventory log; collects keys and building passes at end of employment/contract term.Provides basic services (e.g. telephone, mail, reception, etc.) in a backup support role for other Departments/Programs (e.g. Faculty of Arts) as required because of vacation, illness, or other leaves/ contingencies.Acts as a liaison between department faculty and the Dean's Office in relation to administrative matters.The Collective Agreement can be viewed here.Experience and Education RequirementsTo be the successful Administrative Assistant IV you will have:• Completion of high school, plus 1 year Community College in business/secretarial course or equivalent.• Minimum one year related experience.• Working knowledge of several software packages including Microsoft Suite.• Ability to handle and maintain confidential materials.• Strong organizational skills and ability to function independently and as part of a team.• Strong communication and listening skills.• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure.• Experience working in a university environment considered an asset.• Website maintenance and social media communication experience an asset.Application DetailsApply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:ResumeCover LetterThree Professional ReferencesLate applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at hr@smu.ca. About Saint Mary’s University Saint Mary's University is one of Canada's top primarily undergraduate universities known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada's best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary's provides our more than 6,400 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast, Saint Mary's University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary's University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a World without limits. 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