This book serves as a reference to existing presidential assistants as well as a guide to presidents contemplating the creation of such a position.

The position of presidential assistant is relatively new in the world of higher education and can still be a very hard-to-define occupation. In Other Duties as Assigned, veteran presidential assistants from all types of institutions describe the varied duties and responsibilities that they hold. The chapters span analyses of career paths, of gender, and of personal characteristics, as well as practical issues such as writing speeches, handling complaints, serving as the board secretary, and raising funds. The contributors have based their writing both on their experiences and on data from a national survey of the profession. This book is a seminal body of work that gives a comprehensive understanding of the many dimensions of presidential assistants, as well as providing practical advice about several key features of the role. As such, Other Duties as Assigned serves as a reference to existing presidential assistants as well as a guide to presidents contemplating the creation of such a position.

Chapter 1 Foreword
Chapter 2 From Whence They Came: Career Paths to the Presidential Assistant Position
Chapter 3 The Role of Gender in the Profession of Presidential Assistant
Chapter 4 Qualities of a Presidential Assistant
Chapter 5 Managing the President's Office
Chapter 6 Managing the Life of the President
Chapter 7 Presidential Assistants and Institutional Advancement
Chapter 8 Executive Speechwriting and Other Communications
Chapter 9 Once Upon a Motion: A Board Secretary's Tale
Chapter 10 The Nasty Stuff in a PAs Life: Handling Complaints
Chapter 11 Presidential Assistants as Senior Administrators
Chapter 12 A Career as a Presidential Assistant
Chapter 13 What Do Presidential Assistants Do Next?
Chapter 14 Juggling Jell-o: Other Duties as Assigned
Chapter 15 Conclusion and Afterword