Administrative Assistant, Persistence

Position Summary

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

The Administrative Assistant provides comprehensive administrative and operational support for the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) and its related programs, including Persistence, General Studies/FYS, RISE, and Academic Disability Resources (ADR). This position helps ensure the effective day-to-day operation of these areas by coordinating schedules and events, managing purchasing and financial processes, maintaining communications and shared resources, supporting faculty and staff initiatives, and assisting with program-specific administrative needs.

Serving as a central point of coordination across multiple programs, the Administrative Assistant works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners to maintain organized processes, anticipate needs, and ensure projects and responsibilities are completed accurately and on time. The position requires strong organization, communication, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic student-support environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and operational support for the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) and its associated programs, including Persistence, General Studies/FYS, RISE, Advising, and Accessibility & Disability Resources.
• Manage departmental purchasing, reimbursements, inventory, and related financial documentation using institutional systems.
• Coordinate departmental calendars, meetings, room reservations, events, other scheduling needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for departmental communications by managing shared email accounts, mail distribution, correspondence, and general office operations.
• Coordinate logistics for departmental events, including meetings, faculty and staff appreciation activities, RISE retreats, FYS events, catering, room setup, materials, and event communications.
• Provide administrative support for General Studies, FYS, and RISE, including faculty support, adjunct and teaching assistant processes, stipend requests, and timesheet management.
• Develop and distribute departmental communications and promotional materials, including newsletters, announcements, flyers, and website updates in collaboration with Marketing.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical records, shared drives, calendars, keys, office supplies, equipment, and departmental resources.
• Provide administrative support to Accessibility & Disability Resources during peak periods, including exam coordination and other operational needs.
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and preparing data, surveys, photographs, and other materials for annual reports, assessment, and departmental planning.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes, communication, organization, and overall operational effectiveness.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Center for Academic Excellence.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive student, financial, and personnel information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to quickly learn university software systems, databases, and scheduling platforms.
• Experience with administrative support functions, including purchasing, reimbursements, , event coordination, calendar management, and office operations.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills with a commitment to creating a welcoming, responsive, and student-centered environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to assist multiple departments and support special projects as assigned.

Additional Information

EDUCATION
High School Diploma, Bachelor’s degree preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a 9-month position, working 25 hours per week, primarily in an indoor, open-office environment and involves extended periods of work at a desk and computer. The role may require occasional travel across campus between buildings to attend meetings, deliver or retrieve materials, or support departmental activities.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
The salary for this position is $17.00 per hour. Additional considerations may be made for relevant experience and educational background.

Only candidates who submit all required documents will be considered: resume, cover letter, statement of faith, application questions. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

This position is not eligible for benefits.