Administrative Assistant - Student Affairs

Union College Career Center in Becker Hall • Schenectady, NY

1d • $20 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

Provides essential office and administrative support for a high traffic student-facing department within student affairs, ensuring the efficient operation of systems and processes for a positive student experience. Coordinates and executes various student programming events, including initiatives that provide financial and material support to students in need.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree and three to five years of administrative experience, or a combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and/or work experience.
• Extensive computer skills such as working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Google Suite (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, etc.) with a demonstrated ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to work onsite in an office environment including the ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to exercise exceptional judgment, ensure strict confidentiality of sensitive and protected student information, and demonstrate outstanding professionalism in a range of situations.
• Ability to support in calming and deescalating students, parents, or others in high stress situations.
• Ability to think critically, adjust accordingly and escalate when appropriate.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision in a flexible work environment, take initiative on projects, and prioritize competing demands.
• The ability to foster and enhance a thriving, culturally diverse, and inclusive learning community, while promoting a sense of belonging among students, faculty, and staff colleagues.
• Able to proactively identify and pursue relevant learning and professional development opportunities and apply new knowledge, insights, and skills to enhance results.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a higher education and a small liberal arts environment is preferred.
• Experience with customer relations management (CRM) systems (e.g. Slate, Colleague) preferred.
• Experience using or ability to learn scheduling, catering, and survey software i.e. 25Live, Catertrax, Qualtrics.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills informed by a deep cross-cultural understanding.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line support for the four Class Deans and the Coordinator of International Student Services, including greeting visitors, directing calls/emails, and managing appointments.
• Serve as a calm, professional contact for students, families, faculty, and staff, using sound judgment to de-escalate situations and determine when to handle matters directly versus escalate.
• Oversee the full student-worker employment cycle (posting, hiring, payroll), including onboarding/training on procedures, customer service, and confidentiality.
• Build schedules, supervise performance, and serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day questions, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Coordinate with Wicker Wellness Center, Civil Rights/Title IX, and Class Deans on notifications for student absences, leaves, and related concerns.
• Support withdrawal/return procedures and serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for international student check-ins and travel signatures.
• Provide project support for Student Affairs.
• Order supplies; support Class Deans with managing data via Slate/Qualtrics; process payments and reconcile transactions in Workday; assist with onboarding new employees; manage office social media content.
• Participate in regular planning meetings; coordinate program logistics (space, transportation, catering, bids).
• Help manage the New2U Community Closet, Persistence Emergency Fund, food pantry, and kitchen supply lending pantry, including operations, inventory, and staffing these programs with trained, discreet student employees.

Benefits

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree