ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the historical development and influences of the 'assistant to' position and describes its most common roles and responsibilities. It provides sample titles and job descriptions and discusses the position's successes, challenges, and anticipated future needs. Just under half (44%) of those in the 'assistant to' positions reviewed reported that they were frequently asked to perform responsibilities that fell outside their job description. It is important that the SSAO and 'assistant to' work together to provide direction for the division, doing what is necessary to remain proactive and shifting responsibilities as needed. Often, 'assistant to' roles and responsibilities fall under a director or executive director, assistant or associate dean, assistant or associate vice president, or even a chief of staff, which makes it difficult to find colleagues who perform specific responsibilities of interest.
