Current job title: Office Administrator
Industry: Higher education
Department: Community Building
Institute
Years worked in this industry: 1 (but I’ve
been an administrator for 23 years.)
Years worked in this department: 1
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Experience
was the key. Twenty plus years as an administrator in corporate America was the winning factor.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 3 director level, 3 associates and
4 student interns.
Typical work hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m.
Weekends or overtime hours: Yes, yes
and yes. I work weekends sometimes when workshops are offered. I work a
lot of overtime which I receive time and half pay for each hour over forty
(40) hours a week.
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.): $40,000 -
$50,000.
Benefits (direct or indirect): paid health insurance, dental, paid vacation, sick
days and about 12 paid holidays along with two floating holidays a year
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
1. Place Based Initiative – Invest in a geographic location.
2. Faith Based - Church or Religious organizations effort to strengthen a
community
3. CBO – Community Based Organization
A typical day on the job: I assist in
organizing workshops, processing Purchase Orders, check
requests, authorizations to pay invoices, schedule and coordinate
meetings logistics, planning travel and events, tracking budgets, filing,
processing and reconciling expense reports and provide on-boarding
support. Read and reply to emails.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
1. All the new people I have
the opportunity to meet.
2. Planning the different events (leadership academy graduation,
neighborhood summits, etc.) hosted by my office.
3. Introducing new technology to the office and co-workers.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
1. Co-workers not having time
management and organizational skills.
2. Last minute tasks.
3. Consistent interruptions
Type of workspace/office:
open area
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Managing calendars
Meeting coordination and scheduling
Problem solving
Check request
Expense reports
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
1.
Proficient in computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point,
Access).
2. Time Management and Organizational skills a must.
3. Proficient in office equipment operation.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, Copier, fax, multi-line phone, and a color printer.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Quickbooks, Microsoft
Publisher, Microsoft Project and Lotus Notes.
Critical soft skills: Good
communication skills are a necessity because I have to communicate with
vendors, Councilmen, Mayors, VP’s and community leaders.
Pace of this position: average
Geographical region: Northeast U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™