Administrative Assistant

Kent State•Kent, OH

About The Position

Provides administrative support to assist administrators and faculty in achieving department goals through liaison activities, coordination of daily business functions, and implementation of programs and projects. Reports to a designated supervisor. The position may represent an administrator in internal and external dealings, coordinate department budgets and expense accounts, support administration of programs and projects, direct clerical and student staff, and coordinate faculty or staff actions. Other related duties and special projects may be assigned as required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, plus completion of 18 months of formal training in office administration, public administration, or a related field; equivalent training or experience providing comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities may be accepted.
At least two years of experience providing secretarial or administrative support in increasingly demanding positions.
Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting procedures and terminology if required by the position.
Interpersonal communication skills to interact effectively with University personnel and the public in person and by telephone, including explaining information and procedures and handling sensitive inquiries.
Written communication skills to compose reports, speeches, correspondence, and memos.
Public speaking skills if required by the position.
Ability to resolve problems independently and make decisions.
Ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to apply policies and procedures, train employees, and provide effective work direction.
Ability to manage time, set priorities, carry out or assist with changes, and establish office procedures.
Ability to establish methods for gathering, collating, and classifying information; read and comprehend written information; and maintain accurate records.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, learn and use specific software applications, and perform basic mathematics.
Must pass a security check.

Responsibilities

Serve as a liaison and act on behalf of an administrator in dealings with people within and outside the University.
Represent the administrator at meetings and conferences and, when needed, make presentations.
Independently compose non-routine correspondence on behalf of the supervisor or under the employee’s own signature.
Coordinate and monitor multiple department budgets and expense accounts; approve expenditures, sign financial forms, research and reconcile discrepancies, and assist with budget projections.
Assist with the administration of department programs and projects and ensure compliance with applicable University and external policies, procedures, and regulations.
Participate in departmental procedure and policy changes; research and analyze information; draft and compose reports; and provide technical advice and information to support administrator decision-making.
Answer questions and resolve administrative problems concerning programs and projects.
Direct clerical, secretarial, and student employees by training, evaluating, assigning duties, and informing them of policy and procedure changes; may make hiring, firing, and disciplinary recommendations.
Coordinate and monitor faculty or staff actions, such as hiring, promotion, or termination; liaise between affected individuals and departments; maintain records and files; and ensure policies and procedures are followed.
Assist with special projects and perform related duties as required.