Assistant to the Chair

Who We Are Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do. The Department of Mathematics consistently ranks among the top Mathematics Departments in Canada with internationally respected programs and faculty members. As a department, we value collaboration, and our faculty and staff go out of their way to connect with and support students. From workshops to professional development sessions to community outreach, we bring together a full range of educational experiences for students, fellow mathematicians, and the wider community. The department aims be effective and innovative in the teaching of mathematics and training future mathematicians in the state-of-the-art in our discipline. Our dynamic administrative team is welcoming and vital to the success of our academic and research programs. About the Role The Assistant to Chair provides confidential administrative assistance to the Chair, supervisor and department committees. Responds to requests for information on behalf of the Chair; composes, proofreads, edits, and distributes general and confidential correspondence for internal and external communication on behalf of the Chair, and maintains accurate departmental records. Maintains the Chair’s calendar; responds to routine and general problems; maintains confidential files; assists the Chair with the preparation of reports. Provides secretarial support to various department standing and ad hoc committees by scheduling meetings and appointments; drafting and circulating agendas and materials; booking rooms and organizing meeting resources; recording, transcribing, and distributing minutes of meetings. Acts as department’s first contact by resolving space assignments. Assists in maintaining the departmental website and social media sites. The ideal candidate for this position takes a people-centered approach to service, has demonstrated excellence in communicating effectively with diverse populations, and has experience balancing multiple tasks with outstanding attention to detail. We operate as a close team and look forward to welcoming a strong team player who builds effective relationships with colleagues and initiates improvements to processes. Full Job Description Qualifications High school graduation plus one-year post-secondary education including computer courses in word processing, spreadsheet, and databases, and formal training in office practices and procedures. 3 years minimum experience. An equivalent combination of formal education, certificate/program of study and experience is acceptable. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent organizational and prioritization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to work independently and exercise judgement. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise initiative and discretion. What We Offer At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338): 3 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)* Hybrid-work program for eligible positions Employer paid defined benefit pension plan On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members* Funding for professional development expenses* And more! View our benefits brochure *Prorated for part-time employees Additional Information For external candidates, the starting salary is the first step of the salary range. Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment. SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university. We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.

The Assistant to the Chair provides confidential administrative support, including calendar management, correspondence, and meeting coordination for the department. They also act as the primary contact for space assignments and assist with maintaining the departmental website and social media.

Candidates must have a high school diploma plus one year of post-secondary education and at least three years of relevant experience. Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills are required, along with proficiency in office software.

• Vacation • Hybrid-work program • Defined benefit pension plan • On-campus tuition waiver • Professional development funding

• Problem solvingPreferred
• CommunicationPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Administrative support
• Calendar management
• Record keeping
• Meeting coordination
• Communication
• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving
• Organizational skills
• Prioritization
• Confidentiality
• Word processing
• Spreadsheet management
• Database management
• Website maintenance
• Social media management
• Report Writing
• Community Outreach
• Administrative Support
• Proofreading
• Research
• Teaching
• Spreadsheets
• Word Processing
• Higher Education
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Mathematics
• Scheduling
• Balancing (Ledger/Billing)
• Transcribing
• Diversification (Investing)
• Detail Oriented

• Administrative
• Education
• Government & Public Sector
• Assistant to the Chair
• Executive Assistant
• Administrative and Executive Secretaries
• Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants

Minimum education

High school

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Aug 12, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week