CEN Administrative Assistant

University of Connecticut; Farmington (CT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement options

Healthcare options

Merit increases

Vacation & holidays

Tuition waivers

Great work environment

Job summary

The University of Connecticut is seeking an Administrative Assistant to support the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) leadership and operations. The role focuses on scheduling, reporting, communications, and improving workflows across a technology-driven team in Connecticut.

Responsibilities include coordinating calendars, preparing materials, assisting with purchases, travel, and onboarding, and providing strong administrative support to ensure smooth daily operations and effective member

Qualifications

• Associate's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience providing administrative and customer support in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate scheduling and calendar management for the Executive Director and staff.
• Organizes and supports internal team meetings including logistics, agenda preparation, note-taking, and follow-up task tracking.
• Prepares team reports, presentations, documentation, and other materials.
• Manages general office communication, including phone, email, and correspondence handling.
• Assists with purchasing requisitions and credit card transactions.
• Coordinates travel arrangements for staff when required.
• Maintains office operations such as supplies, shipping, workspace organization, and shared equipment.
• Maintains and tracks inventory of network equipment required to support the network.
• Supports onboarding activities for new staff members.
• Performs related work as required.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Project Coordination

Problem Solving

Team Orientation

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Connecticut Education Network (CEN) is Connecticut’s trusted internet partner, committed to our member community and its success. By honoring this commitment, we have grown the member customer network and maintained our reputation as one of the most valued Internet Service Providers serving CT for over 20 years. Join CEN to discover a culture that is rooted in innovation and thrives on collaboration. Imagine loving what you do, where you do it, and contributing to a mission and vision that provides unprecedented value to Connecticut. CEN offices are located at 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford CT.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Administrative Assistant serves as a key member of the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) team, helping keep the organization running smoothly, efficiently, and on track. This role is often the hub that connects people, projects, and priorities across CEN, coordinating administrative processes, managing schedules, preparing reports, tracking operational activities, supporting member engagement, and identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.

No two days are quite the same. The successful candidate will enjoy variety, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and take pride in bringing organization and structure to a team that delivers critical technology services across Connecticut. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with leadership, contribute to important statewide initiatives, and play a meaningful role in helping CEN achieve its mission.

The ideal candidate will at least two years of administrative support experience, with demonstrated success working in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and technology-focused environment. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to balance multiple priorities are essential.

SALARY

• Administrative Assistant / Administrative Program Support 1 - $48,163 - $62,612
• Compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, and education.

BENEFITS INCLUDE

• Defined contribution with match or defined benefit program retirement options
• Excellent and affordable healthcare options
• Annual merit increase program
• 22 paid vacation days per year in addition to paid sick leave and 12 paid holidays
• Employee and dependent tuition waivers
• A highly desirable work environment

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

General Administrative Support

• Coordinates scheduling and calendar management for the Executive Director and staff as requested.
• Organizes and supports internal team meetings including logistics, agenda preparation, note-taking, and follow-up task tracking.
• Prepares team reports, presentations, documentation, and other materials.
• Manages general office communication, including phone, email, and correspondence handling.
• Assists with purchasing requisitions and credit card transactions.
• Coordinates travel arrangements for staff when required.
• Maintains office operations such as supplies, shipping, workspace organization, and shared equipment.
• Maintains and tracks inventory of network equipment required to support the network.
• Supports onboarding activities for new staff members.
• Performs related work as required.

Member (Customer) Support

• Provides member support as directed by CEN leadership and Member Services.
• Assists with member communications, documentation, and administrative workflows.
• Provides database updates—including CRM, email distribution lists, and NOC contact information—as directed.
• Supports preparation of member-facing reports, materials, and resources.
• Performs related work as required.

Data / Systems Support

• Maintains organized digital and physical files, shared drives, and document libraries.
• Assists in the creation, updating, and dissemination of SOPs, documentation, and workflow materials.
• Supports asset tagging and asset management activities.
• Assists with procurement, documentation, and process coordination.
• Contributes to the preparation of reports, metrics, and operational analyses.
• Performs related work as required.

Events Support

• Provides support for CEN’s Annual Member Conference and Cyber Nutmeg events, including logistics, scheduling, materials preparation, registration coordination, and onsite support.
• Assists staff with event documentation and follow-up communications.
• Performs related work as required.

RELATED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Communication: Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to digest, analyze, organize, and present topics of a technical nature.
• Interpersonal: Establishes and develops strong, productive relationships with co-workers and members (customers).
• Project Coordination: Demonstrates ability to coordinate projects with impact to organizational goals. Analyzes information, makes accurate assessments, and coordinates activities across multiple functional groups.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrates sound analytic and diagnostic skills dealing with clearly defined issues and/or where information is readily available. Once decisions are made, follow through to implement intended results. Breaks a problem down to manageable pieces and implements effective, timely solutions.
• Team Orientation: Builds relationships with peers and other departments to achieve objectives. Balances team and individual responsibilities. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Puts success of team above self.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Associate's degree and at least (2) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the degree and years requirement.
2. Demonstrated written communication and interpersonal skills.
3. Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
4. Experience providing administrative and customer support in a dynamic environment.
5. Experience with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience working in the Connecticut public sector.
2. Experience in technology services, Internet services, or related fields.
3. Prior administrative support experience in multi-team or project-driven environments.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Applications close:

Sep 11 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.