Desk Manager

Northern Kentucky University; Highland Heights (KY); On-site; USD 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

An established university is seeking a Desk Manager to foster community and provide leadership within the residence halls. This role involves supervising Desk Assistants, managing front desk operations, and ensuring a welcoming environment for residents. The Desk Manager will also participate in community-building efforts and provide essential administrative support. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills, and be committed to creating a positive living experience for all residents. This is a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable experience while contributing to campus life.

Benefits

University Housing Staff Meal Plan

University Housing Residential Space

Qualifications

• Must be an NKU student in good standing with a required GPA.
• Ability to work a minimum of 20-25 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Desk Assistants and manage schedules.
• Provide customer service and resolve resident inquiries.
• Participate in on-call rotations for emergencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Education

Undergraduate GPA of 2.5

Graduate GPA of 3.5

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Federal legislation requires institutions of higher education to inform prospective members of our community about its most recent crime/incident statistics; crime prevention; security programs and activities; policies concerning the reporting of crime; and related information in accordance with the Campus Security Act, commonly referred to as the Clery Act. Upon request, you can obtain a paper copy of the university's Annual Campus Security Reports by contacting the NKU Police Department, 419 Old Johns Hill Road, Highland Heights, KY 41099 or calling 859-572-5746. This information is also available on the NKU Police Department's website at http://nku.edu/police/securityreports

Position Information

Working Title

Working Title Desk Manager

Department

Department University Housing

Type of Work Study

Building/Office Location

Building/Office Location NC - Norse Commons

Work Schedule

The Desk Manager position is posted for an average of 20 hours per week.

Job Description

The Desk Manager position starts on July 31, 2025, with Fall training beginning August 1, 2025, and employment will end on May 11, 2026. The time commitment will vary weekly; however, on average the DM works 20 hours per week over the academic year. Although the compensation does include residential space, University Housing reserves the right to assign roommates to staff based on the occupancy needs of University Housing.

The Desk Managers (DMs) are similar to Resident Assistants by being liaisons and community builders between residents living on campus, Desk Assistants working at each dorm, and University Housing. DMs are student staff members of University Housing and an essential member of the NKU residential community. Desk Managers (DMs) supervise Desk Assistants (DAs) and serve as next-level customer service representatives. The DMs will share responsibility in supervising mail/packages, hiring/interviewing/training of DAs, supporting community building efforts, and scheduling desk/office staff. DMs provide similar support to a Resident Assistant by participating in an on-call rotation, where they are available at any time to handle desk duties and emergencies. The Desk Manager is also responsible for providing administrative support to the Coordinator for Residential Services and Housing Staff. This person should be able to demonstrate effective skills in communication, leadership, administration, and must understand and be sensitive to the needs of others.

Compensation:
Bi-weekly compensation

Benefits:
University Housing Staff Meal Plan
University Housing Residential Space

Primary Responsibilities

The Desk Manager is responsible for leadership and supervision of the Residence Hall Front Desks and Mail Rooms. While performing the duties of this job, a Desk Manager is regularly required to:

• Supervise and mentor Desk Assistants (DAs) and manage schedules.
• Provide training and performance feedback for DAs.
• Support Coordinator for Residential Services and Housing Staff with administrative tasks.
• Oversee mail/package management and front desk operations.
• Respond to resident inquiries and resolve issues.
• Provide customer service during office hours and after-hours desk shifts.
• Assist with regular desk responsibilities (check-ins, lockouts, emergency maintenance, etc.).
• Promote a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Support community building by decorating communal areas and creating a welcoming environment for residents and Desk Assistants.
• Participate in a rotating on-call rotation and respond to emergencies during all hours.
• Provide security/support to buildings and desks by walking weekly rounds of desks.
• Submit daily reports documenting any incidents or issues occurring during on call shifts.

While serving as a DM, working with Desk Assistants (DAs), Resident Assistants (RAs), and other housing staff is frequent and common.

Desk Managers can regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, able to move through three story building via stairs, able to climb, and descend stairs while carrying supplies, materials and/or furniture as needed.

Qualifications

A 2.5 cumulative and semester GPA for undergraduate candidates; 3.5 cumulative and semester GPA for graduate candidates. Must be able to live in University-assigned on-campus housing. Must be available to attend weekly staff meetings and work some nights and weekends. Desk Managers cannot teach or have an internship during their employment and must have permission from the Coordinator for Residential Services to work an outside job.Outside jobs must be limited to 10 hours a week or less and may be considered for approval but it is not guaranteed.

In addition, students must be in good standing with the university financially and behaviorally.

All interested students must fill-out an online student employment application and attach a resume. Any candidate who is offered this position will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you an NKU Student?
  • Yes
  • No
  • No response
• * Are you able to work a minimum of 20-25 per week?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

Resume

Optional Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Student Class Schedule

Northern Kentucky University Nunn Drive | Highland Heights, Kentucky41099 Phone: [phone]