HRL - Front Desk Assistant

Norfolk State University; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Norfolk State University is seeking a Front Desk Assistant in the Housing & Residence Life department. The overnight shift runs from 10:30pm to 7:00am during fall and spring terms, with summer options of 7:00am–3:00pm or 3:00pm–11:00pm. The role requires strong customer service and proficiency in Microsoft Office, plus the ability to multi-task and stay calm under pressure.

Salary starts at $35,000 yearly. NSU emphasizes background checks and the need to be an essential personnel, with overtime

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED; a 2‑ or 4‑year degree is preferred.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends.
• Experience in office settings and handling administrative tasks is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer phones, greet the public, and log incoming/outgoing mail.
• Respond to customer complaints, answer emails, take messages, and relay them.
• Develop communication documents such as spreadsheets and letters.
• Maintain shift log for incidents and visitor IDs.
• Assist Resident Director with general office duties.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Customer service

Stress management

Education

High school diploma or GED

2‑year or 4‑year degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The Housing & Residence Life Department within Student Affairs seeks to fill the Front Desk Assistant positions which must possess excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills; be creative and a self-starter; possess excellent organizational skills; and be able to multi-task and prioritize workload while working well independently within a team-oriented environment. The position requires strong customer service skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Front Desk Assistant must also be able to work well under stressful and intense conditions. Education, Experience, and Licensure, Certification required for entry into position: High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required. A two-year or 4-year degree is preferred. Must be able to work evenings and weekends. PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS: Two years working in an office setting handling general administrative task. Experience working with diverse student populations strongly preferred. Experience with emergency/incident response preferred. Experience working under stressful conditions requiring quick-thinking and analytical skills desired. Must be willing to fulfill responsibilities as essential personnel and be willing to overtime, as needed.

Administrative Responsibilities Performs routine office duties which include but is not limited to: answering phones, greeting the public, logging all incoming/outgoing mail, responds to customer complaints, answers emails, take messages and relays messages. Develops communication documents such as spreadsheets, letters, and informational flyers. Maintains a shift log for all incidents and reports occurring during assigned shift. Maintains log and IDs of all visitors. Assists the Resident Director with general office duties and reports as needed.

Administrative Responsibilities

• answering phones, greeting the public, logging all incoming/outgoing mail, responds to customer complaints, answers emails, take messages and relays messages.
• Develops communication documents such as spreadsheets, letters, and informational flyers.
• Maintains a shift log for all incidents and reports occurring during assigned shift.
• Maintains log and IDs of all visitors.
• Assists the Resident Director with general office duties and reports as needed.

Operational Responsibilities

• Ensure front desk is staffed nightly during shift or as assigned.
• Occasionally work overtime as needed.
• Immediately respond to emergencies and incidents, contact Campus Police or designated entity and serve as initial first-responder until relieved by emergency response personnel or appropriate supervisor.
• Complete and submit Incident Reports for all incidents that occur during assigned shift.
• Assists with entering requisitions into Colleague for assigned building budget.
• Assists with tracking and ordering office supplies as needed.
• Submit work orders in TMA immediately for emergencies and within 1-2 business days for non-emergencies.
• Conduct inventory checks and submit reports.
• Complete tasks and assignments within a timely manner and by the initial deadline.
• Assists with monitoring the assigned residential community during shift to ensure a safe, clean and well-maintained living and learning environment.
• Assists with monitoring computer lab daily to ensure paper and supplies are provided.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Customer Service Provides exceptional customer service to students, faculty, staff and the general public.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests within a timely manner (not to exceed 2 business days unless communication is made acknowledging an estimated time for response).
• Answer telephones, emails and greets faculty, staff, students, and visitors in a highly professional, warm and friendly manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The FDA position is an overnight position with a schedule from 10:30pm - 7:00am during the fall and spring terms. During the summer the FDAs have the option to stick with the overnight shift or work 7am - 3:00pm or 3:00pm - 11:00pm.

Salary: starting at $35,000 yearly

Norfolk State University conducts background checks on all candidates identified as a finalist for employment consideration. The type of background check(s) performed are dependent upon the type of position for which you have been identified as a finalist and may include criminal history, including sexual offender registry checks, reference checks, degree validation, DMV (driving) records, license verification, and credit report reviews. The results of background checks are made available to University employing officials. As a finalist, you will be required to sign an Authorization to Release form. Norfolk State University utilizes Form I-9 and E-verify in the verification of eligibility for employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155. Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force.

Equal Opportunity Employer Contact Pathways Discover Your Future at Norfolk State University Join a vibrant academic community at Norfolk State University, a dynamic, public, urban institution located in the heart of Hampton Roads in Norfolk, Virginia. With a proud legacy dating back to 1935, NSU is one of just five HBCUs in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of 15 public four-year universities in the state. Our campus is home to more than 5,400 students, including a thriving graduate population that makes up over 10% of our enrollment. NSU offers a supportive and engaging environment across five distinguished academic schools and colleges, led by a dedicated team of approximately 1,000 faculty and staff. With an annual operating budget exceeding $190 million, Norfolk State is positioned for growth, innovation, and student success. Whether you’re looking to grow your career or make a lasting impact, NSU invites you to be part of a community where excellence, purpose, and progress are more than just words — they're a way of life. Behold the Green and Gold — and apply today! The home of the largest Naval Base in the world, Norfolk is 1 of the 7 cities that make up what Is referred to as the Hampton Roads Region, an area that includes Virginia Beach & Colonial Williamsburg. Norfolk has big-city amenities and attractions of arts and culture, and cuisines of the Eastern Seaboard. There are numerous & accessible parks, riverfronts, lakes, festivals, & beaches; all favorable for weekend getaways and an easy commute to NSU. NSU Human Resources 757.823.8160