Program Assistant Job Description Higher Education

Current job title: Program Assistant

Industry: Higher Education

Department: Business Research Bureau

Years worked in this industry: 5

Years worked in this department: 5

Special training or attributes needed or helpful to get job in this industry (or specific department): college education

Number of managers and/or staff supported: 13

Typical work hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Weekends or overtime hours: Yes, comp time only, not paid OT.

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.): $23,000 - $32,000

Benefits (direct or indirect): Yes, excellent benefits package including health, life, dental, eye, flex accounts and retirement

Lingo you might hear in this industry:

SBA - Small Business Administration (federal program to help small business owners/entrepreneurs)

SBDC - Small Business Development Centers (state programs to help small business owners/entrepreneurs)

A typical day on the job: A typical day on the job for me is extremely varied. I could be making travel plans one minute, updating our website the next minute, then compiling a large amount of data after that - my days are usually not similar in content.

Positive things about being an administrative professional in this industry: It is extremely rewarding to hear of the successes of our clients.

Negative things about being an administrative professional in this industry: I do not usually get to interact with many people during the day - other than by phone or email. It is sometimes labor intensive to keep up with technology.

Type of workspace/office: office

Primary responsibilities as an administrative professional in this position: All AR/AP Accounting functions, website management, file management, travel arrangements, Federal reporting.

Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: Polished organizational skills, professional communication skills including both verbal and written, exceptional computer skills

Office machines or equipment operated regularly: Laptop computer, scanner, laser printer, copier

Technology (hard) skills used regularly: Laptop computer with Outlook, Excel, Word, ACCESS, PowerPoint, and PDF writer; and the telephone

Critical soft skills:

Excellent communication skills to portray a professional image and foster good relations with clients.

Excellent follow-up skills to enable staff to do their jobs well and for the success of clients.

Excellent computer skills as e-mail communication is a heavy basis to my job.

Pace of this position: Usually fast.

Geographical region: Midwest U.S.