SDE Office Assistant

at  Gannon University

CAREER READINESS LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• The Office Assistant will collaborate with all constituents in a positive manner, asking appropriate questions, and maintaining a calm demeanor regardless of the energy of the person they are speaking with. (Career and Self-Development, Communication, Professionalism)
• The Office Assistants will manage their own schedule whenever possible to maintain the most effective use of their scheduled hours. These roles often require working in pairs for some duties (room checks) and individual work (building inspections, lockouts), and there is rarely time to micromanage these positions. (Career and Self-Development, Leadership, Teamwork)
• The Office Assistant has the potential to assist all students, parents, families, and visitors who are present with a need. Many times, they are the first faces that our visitors speak with, and they must work with each other regardless of their local or global differences. (Equity & Inclusion, Professionalism)
• The Office Assistant may be the first to learn of a concern that comes to the Main office. We trust them (with guidance and training) to direct the information and/or request to the appropriate professional staff member or to know when they already have access to the information the guest is seeking. (Communication, Critical Thinking, Technology)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Student Development and Engagement/Residence Life Office Assistant plays a vital role within the Student Development and Engagement Team, supporting both office operations and campus-wide initiatives. This position demands a keen attention to detail, along with a working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, administrative processes, university housing policies, and the specifics of residential buildings.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS/FEEDBACK/EXPERIENCE

Supervisors will meet with the Office Assistant to review the job description, establish goals, and outline expectations for employment. Weekly meetings will be scheduled to review progress, performance, skill development, information sharing, etc. Evaluation and feedback will occur continuously with specific meetings to address positive and/or negative behaviors as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

The Office Assistant is limited to 20 hours per week (30 hours during breaks/summer). They must have a clean conduct record due to access to private information.

Key expectations include:

• Ability to accept supervision, handle constructive feedback, follow directions, work under pressure, and collaborate effectively as a team.
• Strong critical thinking, initiative, public relations, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication, organization, basic math, and data entry into records and spreadsheets.
• Capability to ascend and descend stairs regularly, including during emergencies.

The Office Assistant must uphold and support the Gannon University Institutional Policy Manual and be knowledgeable about University policies. This role is secondary to academic responsibilities, and any additional commitments require approval from supervisors.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

N/A

• Office Operations: The Office Assistant will manage daily office operations, including providing receptionist support to visitors, directing traffic, and assisting office visitors. This role requires effective communication skills to exchange information, resolve issues, and respond to requests for information.
• Collaboration: The Office Assistant is expected to work cohesively with fellow assistants as part of a unified team, contributing to the effective management and transitions related to student housing.
• Special Events & Routine Tasks: The Office Assistant will assist with special events, and office functions, and perform routine tasks as assigned. The position will involve alternating between roles at the side desk, answering telephone calls, and serving as a greeter at the front desk.
• Mission Support: The Office Assistant must actively support and promote the University’s inclusive mission and demonstrate a commitment to serving its diverse student population.