Job Description

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among 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 more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computing & Engineering; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change in their own lives, professions, and communities. Sacred Heart University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student success, career outcomes, and campus experience. The Princeton Review recognized SHU in its Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2027 Edition, while additional national recognitions highlight the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; Division I athletics; and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is 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

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.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual salary range for this position is $42,770-$64,150.

Sacred Heart University offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, paid time off, and other employee benefits. Specific benefits and eligibility requirements may vary based on the position and applicable plan provisions.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.