What are the responsibilities and job description for the Administrative Specialist position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
The Administrative Specialist serves as the primary administrative and operational support professional for the Office of Student Success. This position coordinates complex administrative processes, manages office operations, supports student success initiatives, and serves as a key resource for students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. The Administrative Specialist provides high-level administrative support to Office of Student Success leadership and oversees administrative functions supporting advising, career services, student records, academic support programs, and strategic student success initiatives. The position requires discretion, independent judgment, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Administrative Specialist serves as the primary administrative and operational support professional for the Office of Student Success. This position coordinates complex administrative processes, manages office operations, supports student success initiatives, and serves as a key resource for students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. The Administrative Specialist provides high-level administrative support to Office of Student Success leadership and oversees administrative functions supporting advising, career services, student records, academic support programs, and strategic student success initiatives. The position requires discretion, independent judgment, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required. Associate degree with significant related experience may be considered. Higher education experience preferred.
- Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible administrative experience required. Experience supporting senior leaders, managing complex administrative processes, and coordinating multiple priorities simultaneously is preferred.
- Experience in student affairs, academic affairs, higher education administration, or a similarly complex service-oriented environment is preferred.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, families, and external stakeholders.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing enterprise systems and databases.
- Ability to independently prioritize competing responsibilities, manage confidential information, and exercise sound judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and support a student-centered culture focused on service excellence and continuous improvement.
- Commitment to student success, inclusion, professionalism, and operational excellence.
- Coordinates and manages daily administrative operations of the Office of Student Success. Serves as the primary point of contact for students, families, faculty, and staff seeking assistance from the office. Manages calendars, scheduling, correspondence, meeting coordination, and office communications for unit leadership. Develops and maintains administrative processes that support efficient office operations and exceptional student service delivery.
- Provides administrative support for advising, academic recovery support, career services, retention initiatives, and student success programming. Coordinates logistics for orientation programs, registration support, open houses, workshops, student events, and special projects. Assists with student outreach and communication campaigns and ensures timely dissemination of information regarding student success programs and services.
- Oversees financial and operational transactions for the Office of Student Success. Processes purchasing requests, procurement transactions, travel reimbursements, invoices, budget tracking, and account reconciliations. Maintains inventory and coordinates purchasing of office supplies, equipment, and program materials.
- Supports personnel and human resource functions within the Office of Student Success. Coordinates onboarding activities for staff, graduate assistants, and student employees. Assists with recruitment, interview scheduling, search committee logistics, and maintenance of employment-related documentation and records.
- Maintains and manages confidential student, personnel, and operational records. Prepares reports, compiles data, and assists with assessment, accreditation, enrollment, retention, and graduation reporting initiatives. Supports data collection and analysis efforts to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.