Job Description

Description:

LOCATION

This position is fully on-site and requires a regular presence in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this position.

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Administrator, School of Physician Associate Practice (SPAP), plays a critical role in supporting the Dean of SPAP by managing high-level administrative operations, coordinating strategic projects, and overseeing budgets for the Dean of SPAP and other departments. The position also serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and students, ensuring smooth workflows, effective communication, and successful execution of ACHE's academic priorities. This role is ideal for a candidate with higher education experience, familiarity with accreditation processes, and the ability to lead and coordinate others to deliver results.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project & Budget Management

Coordinate and manage strategic projects and initiatives for the Dean's office. Handle the budget for the Dean, including tracking, forecasting, and reconciling expenses. Monitor budgets for other departments (as assigned), collaborating with department leadership to ensure compliance and fiscal accountability. Organize and maintain accreditation documents, reports, and evidence, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and timelines. Partner with internal departments and external vendors to support projects, events, and strategic initiatives. Support ACHE participation in AAPA, PAEA, ARC-PA, NCCPA, and other professional conferences and meetings. Prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and strategic materials for executive meetings and college initiatives. Attend select meetings on behalf of the Dean and provide detailed notes, follow-up tasks, and recommendations.

Administrative & Executive Support

Manage the Dean's and other senior leaders' calendars, prioritize scheduling, and coordinate complex appointments. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Dean, handling inquiries, visitors, and correspondence with professionalism. Draft, review, and distribute formal and informal communications on behalf of the Dean. Coordinate travel arrangements for the Dean, VIP guests, accreditation teams, and visiting faculty. Maintain office records, contracts, accreditation documents, and confidential files. Assist with onboarding new faculty and staff, ensuring smooth integration into ACHE policies, systems, and culture.

Staff Support, Leadership & Advocacy

Lead and mentor support staff, fostering skill development, efficiency, and collaboration. Serve as a resource and advocate for SPAP staff, supporting job training, career readiness, and professional growth. Partner with Human Resources and department leadership to facilitate onboarding, training, and development opportunities. Promote a positive, service-oriented culture within the college.

Accreditation

Serve as the contact person for accreditation bodies Track and maintain all accreditation documents and reports to accrediting agencies Serve as a resource for all ACHE faculty and staff with regard to information about ARC-PA, ADHE, NCCPA, and HLC. Maintain accurate and current records of all accreditation documentation.

Work Environment & Expectations

Reports directly to the Dean of SPAP. Regularly collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and external partners. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events and conferences. Some travel may be necessary for marketing, meetings, accreditation activities, and professional development. Other duties as assigned by the Dean of SPAP or their designee

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent Minimum 3 years of experience in higher education administration Proven experience managing budgets and tracking departmental finances Demonstrated success in coordinating projects and leading others through collaboration rather than direct supervision

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with accreditation processes in medical education or other health professions

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt to academic audiences. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments. Demonstrated discretion when handling confidential information.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

ACHE is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations when necessary. The following are essential abilities and physical requirements for all positions at the college.

Ability to orally communicate effectively with others with strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation. Ability to work cooperatively with colleagues and supervisory staff at all levels. Ability to understand oral and written information, using the English language, and organize thoughts and ideas into effective forms of communication. Ability to make decisions which range from moderate to a significant impact on the immediate work environment, as well as outside contributors. Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of ACHE to a variety of business and community customers and associates. Strong organizational skills.

Problem Solving

Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Expertise in negotiation.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties. May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies to include, but not limited to pens, pencils, calculators, computer keyboards, telephone, etc. May be required to transport oneself to other campus offices, conference rooms, and on occasion, to off-campus sites to attend meetings, conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. May require significant travel or work away from campus. Requires attendance at events representing ACHE both within as well as outside of the college setting. Frequently required to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations. Frequently required to see for purposes of reading matter. Frequently required to hear and understand speech at normal levels. Occasionally required to lift items in a normal office environment. Frequently required to operate office and presentation equipment.

If you need assistance in the application process because of a disability, or any other reason, please contact Vicki Broadaway, Vice President of Human Resources, at 479.308.2287 or vicki.broadaway@achehealth.edu.


Arkansas Colleges of Health Education is an equal opportunity employer.