Administrative & Student Support Specialist

The University of Akron; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Akron seeks an experienced administrative professional to support the Department Chair or School Director in day-to-day academic operations. You will serve as the information resource for faculty, staff, and students, handling inquiries and resolving problems.

Responsibilities include admissions processing, registration, financial aid, scheduling, budgeting, and events coordination. A minimum of 4 years in office settings and 18 months of post-secondary education are required,

Qualifications

• Requires 18 months of education or training beyond high school.
• Minimum 4 years experience in office/clerical procedures, preferably in higher education.
• Advanced computer knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Ability to learn web content management software and ERP systems.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day academic operations and programs for the department.
• Provide administrative support to the Department Chair or School Director.
• Maintain calendars, organize filing systems, and process documents.
• Assist with admissions, registration, financial aid, and scholarships; monitor budgets and purchasing.

Skills

Office administration

Databases

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

18 months of education or training beyond high school

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

Database software

Web content management

ERP system

Job description

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 answeringinquiries, providing information and resolving problems.Essential Functions:-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 degreecompletion; 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 coordinatingvarious student related programs and events hosted by the department.-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.-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 facultyreasonable assurance memos, Personnel Action Forms, and student employment processes). Assist with department events, conferences, and make travel arrangements as needed. May serve asbuilding coordinator and work with PFOC and locking systems as needed.-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:Education: Requires 18 months of education or training beyond high school.Experience:Requires a minimum of 4 years experience in office/clerical procedures with preferably 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.Leadership:Functional guidance over nonexempt staff including general scheduling, assigning tasks and monitoring work activities.Physical Requirements:Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking, standing, etc. May occasionally lift very lightweight objects.Working Conditions:No major sources of working conditions discomfort, standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions, minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems, and/or up to 40% use of PC terminal.Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.Compensation: This is a Union position with a salary Grade of SBU-110. Salary determination is subject to the SBU Collective Bargaining Agreement.Application Deadline: August 28, 2026FLSA 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:Shawna HarrisEmail:[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.