Current job title: Administrative
Assistant
Industry: Education
Department: Secretarial
Years worked in this industry: 9
Years worked in this department: Less
than 1 year
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): I needed
to have computer skills in Word and Excel. I was familiar with the student
and finance software we use because of my previous position in the
district. My people skills were not required but were what helped me to
get the position.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 1
Typical work hours: 8:30 – 4:30 Monday
through Friday but I am usually here longer every day.
Weekends or overtime hours:
Yes I do
work overtime but I do not get paid for it.
Twice a month I am here for Board meetings in the evening and they usually
run about three hours per meeting.
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.): $39,500 - $40,800
Benefits (direct or indirect): We have
health insurance, paid holidays and 20 days vacation per year, sick time
that is earned at 8.6667 hours per month and can accumulate them up to
1872 hours, emergency leave, membership to one professional organization,
term life insurance, retirement funds, and long term disability insurance.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
The education industry often uses acronyms for programs and funding they
may use. Example: ADM (average daily membership), PERA (Public Employees
Retirement Association), SEE (Schools for Equity in Education)
A typical day on the job: Something
different is always going on.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: The opportunity to learn is
always there. The people I work with are very much like family. The more I
learn, the more I become the “go to” person and I am able to help others
and I like that a lot.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: We are ruled by public opinion
and rely on their vote for things we need. When things don’t go well, we
are always the ones at fault.
Type of workspace/office:
open area
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Taking care of Board meeting
minutes. Supplying the board members with the information needed for all
meetings. Correspondence for the Superintendent. Contracts for our
certified staff.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Computer skills. Telephone etiquette. Ability to keep things confidential.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computers, faxes, copiers, phone system, postage machines.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
We have a very old phone system and I am responsible for keeping things
going and doing as much on my own before calling in a repairman is a big
part of it. Creating reports off of our software for students and staff.
Critical soft skills: Communicating is
very critical to my job. I am very often the first person to meet or speak
to on the phone for most people. We are dealing with their children and
that can be a very touchy subject for parents. I am also the person that
deals with the staff before they get to the superintendent.
Pace of this position: Mostly fast (summer
is average)
Geographical region: Central U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™