Finance and Operations are looking for an Executive Assistant to support their departments.  This position is responsible for providing a range of administrative support for day-to-day operations & maintenance for the College properties, as well as coordination of long- and short-term projects, vendor management and direct support to the C.F.O.

The mission of Cornish is to provide students aspiring to become practicing artists with an educational program of the highest possible quality, in an environment that nurtures creativity and intellectual curiosity, while preparing them to contribute to society as artists, citizens, and innovators. Cornish realizes this mission by offering baccalaureate studies in the performing and visual arts and by serving as a focal point in the community for public presentation, artistic criticism, participation and discussion of the arts.

If you are looking for a culture that promotes and supports creative engagement, consider Cornish. In addition to a great culture, Cornish offers generous paid medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, paid time-off and holidays.

Responsibilities

1. Provides organizational assistance and support to the CFO by:

• Coordinating departmental daily activities as well as annual audits to ensure commitments and deadlines are met.
• Managing third party leases, contracts, and agreements including their execution and renewal by Finance.
• Finding new and efficient ways to create and maintain systems and processes to help maximize the CFO’s time, including weekly reporting, goal setting, and team meetings.
• Prioritizing and managing multiple projects simultaneously, proactively identifying gaps and taking ownership of projects.
• Assisting with compiling and preparing material and agendas for meetings, such as all-hands presentations and events.
• Developing a deep understanding of the team and requests from internal and external contacts, making a point to be available and approachable.
• Undertaking special assignments or projects on a wide variety of responsibilities as assigned by the C.F.O.
• Working with and maintaining highly confidential information on a regular basis.

2. Provides organizational assistance to the Operations & Facilities managers by:

• Maintaining complex, technical databases for facilities management.
• Coordinating services with outside agencies including all utility companies and Metropolitan Improvement District.
• Serving as backup to facility managers by supervising outside vendors and contractors, and performing special research or statistical analyses as needed.
• Supporting the College’s safety and emergency preparedness programs.
• Keeping permits and certificates of inspection current.
• Assisting facilities crew as needed in special situations.

3. Provides administrative support by:

• Processing invoices and P-card charges for Operations department.
• In coordination with the Controller, monitoring and balancing large departmental budget, as well as multi-million dollar budgets for multiple facilities and capital projects.
• Tracking and proactively managing all utility and waste disposal budgets.
• Preparing reports from Excel, Google Workspace and outside data sources.
• Serving as a liaison between the College and tenants occupying College properties.
• Performing standard office tasks such as answering telephones, filing, ordering of supplies, faxing and copying, and booking meeting rooms. Collects and opens mail addressed to the departments; forwards correspondence to appropriate staff for action.
• Maintaining positive relationships with faculty, staff, students, consultants, bankers, and vendors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus three to five years experience or combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Two or more years of experience in office procedures, data compilation and record maintenance.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel), PowerPoint, Google Workspace. Accounting/finance programs desirable.
• Excellent communication, organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to observe and maintain a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Proficient, detailed-oriented and accurate to assist in running a smooth office environment.
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects and to rapidly change focus between projects.
• Work with team members at all levels, sometimes under pressure, while remaining proactive, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and discretion.
• Functional knowledge of company operations and procedures to accurately interpret documents/instructions to act properly and promptly.
• Occasional light lifting and ability to be on feet all day.
• Ability to remain calm in emergencies.
• Strong customer service background.
• Valid WA state driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Must pass background check.
• Certified, or willing to become certified, in CPR and first aid.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of construction materials and terminology.
• Experience in a not-for-profit, arts, or academic environment.
• Advanced computer skills and/or accounting/finance programs desirable.
• Demonstrate creativity, flexibility, foresight and mature judgment in anticipating and solving problems and in dealing with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Extraordinary organizational skills, and appreciation for the challenges of supporting a growing team of diverse personalities and programs.
• Preferred but not required experience: previous exposure to investors, analysts, company boards.

Department: Finance and Operations
Reports To: VP of Finance and CFO
Supervises: Work Study
Compensation: Full-time; $57,000-$65,000

Application Procedures

Please submit the following materials to careers@cornish.edu

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Cornish Employment Application

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cornish commits to demonstrating respect for individual expression and integrity; to promoting the equality of opportunity and rights of all persons within the community and to actively encouraging and maintaining the representation and inclusion of diverse cultures and backgrounds within the student body, faculty, staff and curricula.

We believe that diversity refers to a number of human qualities and characteristics. National origin, race, gender, age, socioeconomic background, religion, sexual orientation and disabilities are characteristics that combine in unique ways, forming the multiple identities we all hold. Those diverse characteristics contribute positively to the environment of Cornish and to an education that accurately reflects and contributes to the complex interplay of art, culture and society.

We hold ourselves responsible to fulfill the mission of Cornish by preparing students “to contribute to society as artists, citizens, and innovators,” and believe that the mission is best served by actively cultivating a positive environment in which to explore and express the diverse perspectives of a pluralistic society.

Cornish College of the Arts is an equal opportunity employer intent on enriching the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students. Our goal is to create an intercultural learning environment comprised of people with varied experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups for all open positions.