Administrative Specialist III

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a statewide campus with faculty based on university campuses, at Research and Extension Centers, and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Administrative Specialist III oversees the daily operations of the CSES Department and serves as a key support partner to the Departmental Administrative Manager. The role provides essential assistance to faculty, staff, and students while fostering an organized, efficient, and welcoming environment. This position contributes to a positive workplace culture by helping coordinate departmental events, tracking key processes, and supporting communication and engagement across the department. While the role primarily follows standard business hours, occasional evening or weekend support may be needed for special events. These times are rewarding opportunities to build community and celebrate our department’s success, and are planned with advance notice and a supportive team approach.

Requirements

• Formal education equivalent of a high school diploma
• One year of specialized training in business management, business education, or a related field
• Three years of experience in a specialized or a related field applicable to work performed
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and build positive working relationships.
• Ability to work as part of a team, take initiative, and seek feedback to improve processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with administrative systems such as Workday, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, or similar platforms.
• Problem-solving ability and adaptability when priorities or deadlines shift.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, or a related field.
• Two years of experience in a higher education or research setting.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the CSES department: greet visitors, assist faculty, staff, and students, and provide front office support.
• Coordinate daily operations of the department, including scheduling, maintenance, security/access, reservations, supplies, inventory, mail/shipping needs, etc.
• Provide administrative support for departmental processes such as recordkeeping, communications, scheduling, and inventory tracking.
• Assist with departmental events, meetings, conferences, recruiting activities, and appreciation initiatives by coordinating logistics such as room reservations, booking flights and car rentals, catering, materials, communications, sending calendar invites, etc.
• Help track and coordinate departmental processes—including hiring support, graduate student processes and activities, departmental vehicle coordination, compliance-related matters, REEport documentation, faculty affairs related items, curriculum, and room scheduling process—under the direction of the Departmental Administrative Manager.
• Support faculty, staff, and students engaged in teaching, research, and service by ensuring smooth daily operations and responding to evolving needs.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture by supporting community-building activities, graduate student engagement, and morale initiatives.
• Collaborate with departmental clubs, committees, and administrative partners to ensure alignment and consistency in processes and communication.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to shared departmental goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental priorities and initiatives.

Benefits

• Mentorship and growth in a mission-driven department.
• An inclusive, team-based environment with structure and support.
• Opportunities to build skills in administration, logistics, and event planning.
• Professional development opportunities and flexible scheduling for those pursuing education.
• Benefits Eligible: Yes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED