Academic Assistant I or II

Grinnell; Grinnell, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA, seeks an Academic Program Support Assistant to provide administrative and technical support for the humanities and social studies center and the broader academic mission.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, effective communication, independent judgment, and accessibility best practices, with duties including office operations, event coordination, faculty support, and budget-related tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year of administrative support experience; AA/AS preferred for higher responsibilities.
• Strong proficiency with office software and web-based systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse constituencies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Humanities and Social Studies Center Office Operations: support for office operations, budgeting, travel and reimbursements.
• Event Coordination: manage scheduling, logistics, and guest visits within policy and budget.
• Faculty Recruitment and Hiring: assist with candidate travel, interviews, and online application processes; liaison across offices.
• Academic and Research Support: assist with electronic course reserves, classroom tech support, and accessibility best practices.

Skills

Office software proficiency

Written & verbal communication

Multitasking & prioritization

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

AA/AS degree preferred

Tools

SharePoint

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Academic Program Support Assistant team provides administrative and technical support of the educational mission at Grinnell College, collaborating with other administrative professionals across campus to meet the needs of faculty and the academic program more generally. This role requires the ability to maintain confidentiality, to communicate effectively with diverse individuals, to utilize independent judgment, to learn quickly, to employ problem-solving skills, and to adhere to accessibility best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Humanities and Social Studies Center Office Operations: Provide administrative, logistical, and financial support for various departmental office operations, including faculty support, office coverage, purchasing, budget administration, travel and honoraria processing, and financial recordkeeping, and support for departmental budget planning and stewardship in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Event Coordination: Coordinate conferences, workshops, lectures, meetings, events, and special projects by managing scheduling, logistics, communications, technology, travel, and guest visits while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and budgets.
• Faculty Recruitment and Hiring: Provide administrative support assistance for faculty searches by collaborating with campus partners to coordinate applicant workflows through online recruitment systems; schedule interviews, presentations, meetings, and campus visits; organize candidate travel, lodging, itineraries, reimbursements, and hospitality arrangements; maintain the online presence of faculty, departments, and divisions; assist with online application processes; and serve as a liaison among candidates, search committees, faculty, and administrative offices.
• Academic and Research Support: Assist faculty with processing electronic course reserves, provide basic technological support for classroom teaching, offer logistical support for faculty research, and follow best practices for document and digital accessibility.

ABOUT GRINNELL COLLEGE

Grinnell College is a top-ranking private liberal arts institution that values diversity, equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates that align with these values and have the ability and desire to advance our values and belonging within our community and the communities we engage. Ideal candidates will be prepared to collaborate and contribute to the mission and values of the college across all constituencies.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required.
• One year or more of administrative support experience required; three or more years of progressively responsible administrative or academic support experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred for AA II-level responsibilities.
• Strong proficiency with office software and web-based systems, with the ability to learn and effectively use new technologies and platforms.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proven ability to independently manage multiple priorities, organize workloads, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively with minimal supervision in a dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills, including the ability to follow policies, procedures, and established processes.
• Working knowledge of budget administration, financial recordkeeping, and basic accounting principles.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite, and document accessibility best practices.
• Experience in an academic office environment.

Employment Category

Regular

Employment Status

Full-time

Work Location Type

Full Time Onsite

FLSA Category

Non-exempt

B2

Anticipated Hiring Range

$19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Department of Interest

Dean of the College

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Grinnell College is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory educational and working environment for all College community members. It is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of admission, employment, and housing, and in access to and participation in its education programs, services, and activities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, religion, disability, creed or any other protected class. Discrimination and harassment on any of the bases covered by state or federal antidiscrimination statutes is unlawful and a violation of Grinnell College policy.

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