Administrative & Student Support Specialist

The University of Akron; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Akron is seeking an experienced administrator to assist the Department Chair or School Director in coordinating day-to-day academic operations and programs. You will handle admissions, registration, scholarships, budgeting, scheduling, and staff oversight, serving as a key information resource for faculty, staff and students.

This role requires at least 4 years in office procedures, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced university environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in office/clerical procedures.
• 2 years in higher education or similar environment preferred.
• Advanced computer skills with word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Ability to learn web CMS, ERP and related systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day academic operations and programs for the department.
• Provide administrative support to Department Chair or School Director.
• Advise and inform faculty, staff and students on admissions, registration, financial aid and scholarships.
• Assist with scheduling, course sequencing, enrollment and record-keeping.
• Prepare reports and assist with budgeting and purchasing activities.
• Oversee department staff and student workers; help revise policies and procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Program coordination

Advanced word processing

Spreadsheet proficiency

Database software

ERP/web CMS familiarity

Education

18 months beyond high school

Tools

Web content management software

ERP systems

Job description

Job Summary:Assist Department Chair or School Director in coordinating the day-to-day academic operations and programs for the department while providing advanced administrative support to Department Chair or School Director. Serve as an informational resource to faculty, staff and students answering inquiries, providing information and resolving problems.Essential Functions:30% Provide advice, counsel, and information regarding department’s academic activities to student, faculty, or staff. Perform tasks and provide information regarding graduate and undergraduate admission, registration and financial aid and scholarship processes, following standard procedures with basic interpretation of policies that may include processing and reviewing admission applications, credentials, and decision; registration, course evaluation, evaluate transfer coursework and degree completion; process, notify and monitoring student scholarship and scholarship application. Assist with creating and monitoring of course and classroom scheduling and enrollment. Analyze, maintain, and monitor confidential academic paperwork, records, and databases. Create reports to provide information for decision making purposes and to distribute as needed. Assist with coordinating various student related programs and events hosted by the department.30% Serve as administrative support to the Department Chair or School Director by providing and overseeing services such as maintaining the Department Chair or School Director’s calendar; preparing and proofreading documents; organizing and maintaining paper and electronic filing systems and databases; coordinating travel arrangements and coordinating projects. May assist with support of departmental website.30% Support daily departmental business, including monitoring department and program budgets; obtaining and maintaining inventory of equipment, services, and supplies; administers departmental purchasing activities; authorizes limited expenditures. Assist with the employment process and maintain departmental personnel records, coordinate position searches and other personnel matters (may include but not limited to appointments/changes, faculty load reporting, part-time faculty reasonable assurance memos, Personnel Action Forms, and student employment processes). Assist with department events, conferences, and make travel arrangements as needed. May serve as building coordinator and work with PFOC and locking systems as needed.10 % Oversee department administrative staff and students by providing functional guidance to ensure smooth workflow. Provide guidance in creating and revising departmental policies and procedures. Perform other job-related duties as needed by the Department Chair or School Director.Additional Position Information:Experience: Requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in office/clerical procedures. Prefer 2 years in a higher education or similar environment. Advanced computer knowledge relating to word processing, spreadsheet, and database software packages. A working knowledge or ability to learn web content management software, enterprise resource planning system, and other systems or application used within the department. Ability to use and retrieve information from databases to perform daily job duties required. Ability to coordinate programs, work in a fast-paced environment, and utilize new technology required. Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and research skills required. Ability to maintain and monitor budgets required. Effective verbal and written communication skills are required.Education: 18 months of education or training beyond high school required.Application Deadline: October 27, 2026.Compensation: This is a Union position with a salary grade of SBU-110. Salary determination is subject to the SBU Collective Bargaining Agreement. The hourly rate is $18.21.Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please submit an online application, and attach your resume and cover letter.FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):United States of America (Non-Exempt)Union Affiliation (if applicable):Staff Bargaining UnitFor assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:Natasha KuzminaEmail:[e-mail]________________________________________________________________________Background Check StatementThe University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.Non-Discrimination StatementThe University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.State of Residence StatementIt is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.