Definition
Under general supervision, the Administrative Assistant performs effective and responsible professional work in a timely manner to support the overall operation of the Gaston County Schools (GCS) Communications/Public Information Department. The Administrative Assistant is responsible for a variety of office, clerical, administrative, and technical duties in a professional office environment as an assistant to a top-level administrator. The Administrative Assistant reports directly to the Chief Communications Officer and works closely with the Chief Communications Officer to ensure the objectives and goals of the Communications/Public Information Department are met in a professional, efficient, and effective manner.
Duties and Responsibilities
•Serves as a point of contact for the Communications/Public Information Department; interacts with various internal and external audiences in person and by answering the telephone, receiving and replying to e-mail, preparing correspondence, attending meetings (in person and virtual) and special events, etc.
•Responds to inquiries as deemed appropriate by the supervisor and directs inquiries to the proper school, department, or principal/director in a timely manner; able to answer general questions about the school system.
•Prepares/writes/coordinates letters, memos, reports, schedules, charts and graphs, spreadsheets, presentations, agendas, meeting minutes and notes, labels, and other printed materials for the supervisor’s review; maintains telephone/contact lists, mailing lists and address labels, distribution lists, templates for correspondence, and similar documents.
•Organizes files, documents, records, and similar materials (printed and electronic).
•Proofreads documents and materials produced by the Communications/Public Information Department to ensure accuracy, proper grammar and formatting, correctness of presentation, etc.
•Assists with special events, meetings, and programs that are coordinated by the Communications/Public Information Department and handles logistics associated with such special events, meetings, and programs.
•Willingness to learn, use, and maintain computer software and databases for the purpose of compiling, storing, and managing information; must be able to type at a moderate rate of speed.
•Ability to work independently with little guidance, follow verbal and written instructions, maintain confidential information, problem solve, and exercise sound judgment.
•Maintains a positive attitude about K-12 public education and Gaston County Schools, provides good customer service to internal and external audiences, and portrays oneself in a professional manner.
•Conducts other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Communications Officer and works collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the Communications/Public Information Department operates in a professional, efficient, and effective manner.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•Able to meet the duties and responsibilities required for the position with minimal supervision.
•Able to operate a computer, printer, copier, audiovisual, and other office equipment.
•Able to work independently and collaboratively and meet deadlines.
•Able to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and initiatives simultaneously.
•Understands the importance of public relations and providing excellent customer service.
•Demonstrates excellent communication, writing, editing, and proofreading skills and creative ability.
•Willing to work evenings and weekends, when necessary.
•Possesses organizational, goal-setting, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
•Possesses excellent interpersonal and social skills, including the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
•Maintains a pleasant attitude and commitment to teamwork.
•Familiar with K-12 public school education.
Physical Requirements
•Must be physically able to lift and able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, printers, audiovisual equipment, etc. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and a moderate amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical requirements are consistent with those for medium work.
•Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle.
•Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
•Must have ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using equipment required of the position.
•Must have the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
•Must have the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via landline telephone and cell phone.
•Must have the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow spoken and written instructions.
•Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in standard English.
Special Requirements
•Possession of a valid driver’s license.
•Must maintain a safe driving record.
Minimum Education and Experience
•Graduation from high school with a minimum of five years of experience in secretarial, office, and/or administrative work is required; associate degree or higher is preferred.
•Knowledge of general office work and a professional office environment
•Must understand the importance of good customer service and public relations and possess excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the general public with patience and understanding.
•Must possess excellent organizational skills and keyboarding/computer skills and be proficient in the use of e-mail, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and similar programs.
•Comfortable working with others in a fast-paced environment, under deadline pressure, and on several projects at the same time.
This Position Reports Directly To: Chief Communications Officer
Classification: Non-Exempt
Salary: Grade 63
Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.
If offered a position, prospective employee must pass a required health exam, criminal records check, and drug test.
Draft 5/8/2024 THagans