What are the responsibilities and job description for the Academic Affairs Part-Time Office Assistant (BCES + PSYC) H-492 position at Christopher Newport University?
Departmental Objective
The Departments of Psychology and Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science focus on preparing all students to engage actively with the world and discover answers to real-world problems. Using scientific, mathematical, and statistical methodologies, we educate our students to engage in evidence-based thinking, analyze problems, and question from multiple perspectives in the classroom, laboratory, and in the broader world. We offer degree programs in biology, chemistry, psychology, and neuroscience. We offer multiple minors in these and related areas and support multiple interdisciplinary minors.
Purpose of the Position
The Multi-Department Office Assistant for the Departments of Psychology (PSYC) and Biology, Chemistry & Environmental Science (BCES) provides administrative and clerical support to ensure the efficient day-to-day operations of both departments. The position supports Department Chairs, Program Directors, full-time faculty, and part-time and adjunct faculty by coordinating a range of administrative, operational, and departmental activities. This role requires strong organizational skills, initiative, discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage competing priorities across two distinct academic departments. The successful candidate must also demonstrate technical proficiency and the ability to learn and adapt to new software, systems, and institutional processes. The Office Assistant works closely with the Academic Affairs Business Manager for BCES and PSYC, as well as the Department Chairs, to support departmental operations and maintain continuity in administrative processes. Through effective communication, responsiveness, and a commitment to high-quality service, this position supports the departments’ and the University’s commitment to providing an excellent experience for students, faculty, staff, and guests.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Related to Position
- Ability to quickly learn and effectively use institution-specific software, systems, and procedures.
- Demonstrated proactive problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent computer proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheet, internet, and electronic mail applications.
- Proficiency in typing and data entry, including the ability to work with mathematical symbols and other specialized formatting, as needed.
- Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, office equipment, and records management.
- Ability to interact professionally and effectively with a variety of constituents, including prospective and current students and their families, faculty, staff, and members of the public.
- Ability to monitor and manage budget expenditures and supply purchases using spreadsheet and other financial tracking tools.
- Ability to supervise, coordinate, and assign responsibilities to departmental student workers.
- Ability to maintain and manage departmental inventory and equipment records.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification Required
Education:
- High school graduate or equivalent education/experience that equates to a high school diploma.
Experience:
- Experience providing administrative, clerical, or office support in a professional environment.
- Prior experience with standard office software, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
- Experience maintaining records, files, or other confidential information.
Additional Consideration(s)
Education:
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Experience:
- Experience in an office management, administrative coordinator, executive assistant, or similar role.
- Previous administrative experience in a higher education or academic environment.
- Experience supporting multiple supervisors or managing administrative responsibilities for a complex office or department.
- Experience with scheduling, room reservations, event planning, and coordination.
- Experience maintaining websites or other online content.
- Experience with inventory management, equipment tracking, purchasing, or surplus/disposal processes.
- Experience supervising, training, or coordinating the work of student employees or other support staff.
- Experience with database, scheduling, or academic administrative systems.
Salary : $30,663 - $45,889