Position Summary
The Administrative Assistant provides daily administrative support for Horizons Sacred Heart University, a year-round program serving Bridgeport students and families across its PreK–12 continuum. The position serves as a primary point of contact for families and campus partners and coordinates family communications, admissions and re-enrollment processes, purchasing, program schedules and records, and meeting and event logistics. The Administrative Assistant maintains accurate information, tracks deadlines, and refers decisions and approvals to the Executive Director or appropriate Program Manager.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Family communications: Monitor shared inboxes, phone calls, and inquiries; answer routine questions using approved information; draft, proofread, and distribute family notices through ParentSquare and other approved channels; maintain contact lists and communication logs; refer sensitive matters and policy exceptions to the appropriate leader.
Admissions and re-enrollment: Schedule admissions appointments, family meetings, and orientations; distribute and track applications, consent forms, and enrollment and re-enrollment materials; follow up on missing items; maintain applicant records and waitlists; and prepare enrollment status reports. Program leaders make admissions, placement, and exception decisions.
Purchasing and supplies: Collect approved supply requests, obtain quotes when needed, enter orders through SHU systems, track deliveries and inventory, and submit invoices and supporting records for review. Purchasing and vendor commitments remain subject to the Executive Director’s approval and SHU procedures.
Program scheduling and records: Maintain student schedules and program rosters; communicate approved assignments to families and staff; prepare program materials and spaces; record attendance; and coordinate assessment schedules and materials. Maintain program calendars, student records, and routine reports. Carry out this work under the direction of the Program Managers, who make decisions about student services and programming.
Meetings and events: Schedule meetings and maintain event timelines, invitations, RSVP lists, materials, and follow-up tasks. Coordinate logistics for the annual benefit, family activities, Board meetings, and outreach in partnership with University Advancement and SHU Events. The Executive Director retains responsibility for messaging, fundraising, sponsor commitments, and event budgets.
Campus and office coordination: Reserve rooms and submit facilities, IT, catering, and other campus service requests; coordinate with SHU departments and vendors on approved logistics; maintain organized shared files; and track administrative forms and renewal deadlines.
Other duties: Support special projects and perform related administrative tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience in an educational or nonprofit setting helpful.
Strong written and verbal communication, organization, accuracy, follow-through, discretion, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook; ability to learn ParentSquare, Salesforce, SHU purchasing systems, and student or donor record systems.
Ability to work respectfully with families, students, colleagues, and campus partners; occasional evening or weekend support for scheduled program events may be required.
Pre-Employment Requirements
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 31-51v, applicants selected for this position will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of both the background check and drug test.
About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. We uphold a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu To apply Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions. Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.