Current job title: Administrative
Assistant
Industry: Non-profit organization
Department: General office
Years worked in this industry: More
than 7
Years worked in this department: Less
then 2
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Experience
working in non-profits (was helpful, but probably not necessary); ability
to wear many hats: bookkeeping, human resources, managing office systems,
tech support.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: Supports general office
functions autonomously but some issues for 20 staff and some direct
support to directors.
Typical work hours: 8-4:30
Weekends or overtime hours: No
overtime.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.):
$25,000-$27,000. plus an
additional $6,000/year to apply towards benefits or to receive as taxable
income.
Benefits (direct or indirect):
Insurance benefits are okay; however, employees need to pay full price for
covering families. Other benefits include 3 weeks vacation for the first 2
years of employment, then 4 weeks after that. Some flexibility with my
schedule (I negotiated working until 4:30 instead of 5); 9 paid holidays
and we sometimes close the office early before a holiday weekend.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Can’t think of any.
A typical day on the job: Deposit
donations; pay bills; answer benefit questions from employees; be point of
contact for technological questions/problems; answer phones; support
directors as needed (correspondence, set up meetings, copying).
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Variety of work, flexibility,
meaningful, mission-driven work.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Low pay, not much chance of
advancement in my office, insurance benefits are so-so.
Type of workspace/office:
main reception area
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Bookkeeping; human resources
management; managing office systems (phones, computers, copy machines);
coordinate events
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Flexibility; and mature work ethic
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
PC with MS Office and Quickbooks software; copy, fax and scanning
machines; postage meter
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Quickbooks accounting; MS Word and Excel; Outlook e-mail and calendar
Critical soft skills: Good
communication skills; ability to get along with a variety people;
attention to details; good negotiating skills (for vendors); promptness
and reliability; flexibility
Pace of this position: Varies depending
on the time of year: Average
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™