Administrative Assistant

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement programs

Paid tuition

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

University of South Carolina Purchasing Department seeks an Administrative Assistant to provide essential administrative support and reception services. You will manage calendars, schedule meetings and training sessions, and assist with procurement card administration.

As bid clerk, you will log and coordinate sealed bids while upholding confidentiality and compliance with procedures. Strong Microsoft Office skills and organizational excellence are required for efficient operations and customer

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and professional demeanor.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and basic database/word-processing software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary administrative support and reception contact for the Purchasing Department; assist with customer service for faculty, staff, students, suppliers and visitors.
• Coordinate departmental calendars, schedule meetings and training, and manage conference room reservations; process procurement card applications and verify employment status.

Skills

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Typing

Office procedures

Organizational skills

Professional demeanor

Tools

PeopleSoft

Blackboard scheduling

P-Card familiarity

Job description

Administrative Assistant Department: DAF Purchasing and Central Supply Advertised Salary Range: Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Inclusive Excellence Statement Advertised Job Summary

This position serves as the primary administrative support and reception contact for the University of South Carolina Purchasing Department, providing customer service to faculty, staff, students, suppliers, and visitors. The Administrative Assistant coordinates departmental calendars, schedules meetings and training sessions, manages conference room reservations, and supports procurement card administration by processing applications, verifying employment status, and responding to inquiries. As the department's bid clerk, the position receives, logs, safeguards, and coordinates the opening of sealed bids and solicitations while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with procurement procedures. The role also serves as a sourcing support resource by expediting requisitions, directing purchase requests to appropriate buyers, and identifying procurement card opportunities. Additionally, the position manages incoming communications, distributes departmental mail, and troubleshoots inquiries to ensure efficient departmental operations and customer service.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to greet visitors with a professional demeanor at all times. Excellent verbal and written customer service skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or other database and word-processing software. Above average typing skills.
• Knowledge of office procedures, practices and equipment. Good organizational skills and attention to detail. Professionalism in an office environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of procurement policies and procedures, PeopleSoft familiarity, Blackboard scheduling, P-Card familiarity.

Job Close Date

11/02/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by November 2, 2026.

Benefits

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.