Desk Assistant for 2026-2027 (Oct-May)

Missouri State University; Springfield (MA); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri State University is seeking a student employee for the Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services department. The position supports front desk operations, handles inquiries, distributes mail, and assists staff while maintaining a welcoming, professional campus presence.

Open to students who live on campus and meet GPA and enrollment requirements. Shifts include evenings, weekends, and holidays to cover a 24-hour schedule across residence halls.

Qualifications

• Preferred applicants will be living on campus for 2026-2027 or have lived on campus.
• Experience in residence hall system or hospitality/service industry preferred.
• Minimum 12 hours completed with a 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA; enrollment at MSU is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate residence hall front desk on assigned shifts, organizing and updating information as needed, and cleaning desk area.
• Greet and receive inquiries face-to-face or by phone in a polite and courteous manner.
• Meet daily with the Hall Staff and respond to emergencies following established procedures.
• Distribute mail and other information; check out items using software.
• Present a tidy appearance and provide a helpful, responsive service to residents and staff.

Skills

Communication

Crisis management

Teamwork

Education

12 credit hours minimum with 2.0 GPA

Enrollment at Missouri State University

Job description

Student Status Work Study Optional –You are not required to be a Federal Work Study Recipient to hold this position.

Work Location

Work Location Springfield Campus

Department

Department Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services

Hiring Range

Hiring Range $15.00/hr

Sponsorship Information

Applicants must be currently authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

Department/Employer Operating Hours

Department/Employer Operating Hours 24 hours/day

How many hours per week are required?

Primary Duties

The desks are operated 24 hours a day. Weekend and overnight shifts will be required on a rotating basis. There will be shifts during breaks and holidays for buildings that remain open.

Work shifts at residence hall front desk as assigned, organizing and updating information as needed, and cleaning and maintaining desk area. Greet and receive inquiries (face-to-face or by phone) in a polite and courteous manner. Meet and communicate daily with the Hall Staff. Respond to emergency situations by understanding emergency contact procedures. Serve as resource person to residents in building. Distribute mail and other information as requested. Check out items and packages to residents using software. Present good image of Missouri State University by means of a tidy appearance, a pleasant and helpful disposition, a positive attitude, and responsive action. Assist the Hall Director, Assistant Hall Director, Receptionist, and Night Host with other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Preferred applicants will be living on campus for 2026-2027 or have lived on campus. Experience working in residence hall system or in hospitality/service industry preferred. Minimum of 12 hours completed or in progress, with 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA (both MSU and overall). Enrollment at Missouri State University is required. Ability to communicate well in group and individual situations. Ability to quickly evaluate and respond appropriately to crisis situations. Must be able to get along with others and work well under pressure. Eligibility for employment is contingent upon a clear University conduct record as well as a background check.

Contact Information

Residence Hall Director or Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services Office 104

Non-Discrimination Statement Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, [e-mail] , 417-836-4252.

Open Date

Open Date 10/01/2026

Close Date

Close Date 10/11/2026

Posting Number

Posting Number 20260122STU

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation-1 (Non-confidential)
• Letter of Recommendation-2 (Non-confidential)
• Letter of Recommendation-3 (Non-confidential)

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you a current Missouri State University Student?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Is your cumulative and/or semester GPA a 2.00 or better?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I don't know
• * Please list which residence halls in which you will be or have lived, listing most recent residency first (e.x., Hammons House 2018-2019, Woods 2017-2018, etc.). If you are an incoming student and have not yet been assigned a residence hall, please list that.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How many credit hours are you currently enrolled in?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Would you be available to work during University breaks?
  • Always
  • Sometimes
  • Never
• * What are your available work hours?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe the skills you possess that qualify you for this position; what skill sets and experience do you have?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you currently seeking a degree at Missouri State University? Or are you currently seeking a teacher certification at Missouri State University?
  • Yes
  • No
  • I'm not sure.
• * Do you have a graduate assistantship?
  • Yes
  • No

If you have questions:

Office of Human Resources

(t)417-836-5102

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have student employment questions:

Student Employment Services

(t)417-836-5627

Monday - Friday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.