Office Support Specialist- Continuous Post (2026)

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking an administrative support professional in Carbondale, Illinois. The position requires a high school diploma and two years of office/clerical experience or education, focusing on organized communication and administrative tasks.

Responsibilities include screening calls, maintaining schedules, and coordinating communication for the department. This role involves essential organizational duties and requires proficiency with computer systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Two years of office/clerical work or education required.
• Experience performing office activities with computer systems.

Responsibilities

• Screen calls and visitors for the department.
• Handle routine inquiries, requests, or problems.
• Maintain a calendar of commitments and deadlines.
• Compile and distribute information for reports and publications.
• Coordinate website updates and social media accounts.

Skills

Office/clerical activities

Computer systems

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Work experience totaling two years

Job description

Job Description

The starting wage for this position is listed above. This position is represented by ACsE/IEA-NEA: Associate of Civil Service Employees. For more information regarding salary and other details, please visit https://laborrelations.siu.edu/labor-contracts/.

Responsibilities

• Screen calls and visitors for a department/unit; determine needs and personally handle routine inquiries, requests, or problems.
• Review designated member(s) of the unit staff incoming mail, respond to routine items independently, and distribute remainder to the designated member(s) of the unit staff.
• Keyboards confidential and/or technical material; transcribe and/or record verbatim material; compose correspondence and reports requiring knowledge of the activities of the designated member(s) of the unit staff and/or the procedures of the unit.
• Maintain a calendar of operating or administrative commitments and notify the designated member(s) of the unit staff and/or affected staff of deadlines.
• Coordinate unit operational projects, meetings, conferences, and/or travel arrangements and monitor and expedite progress.
• Establish, modify, and/or supervise the maintenance of comprehensive file and record systems for a large and complex unit, including confidential materials.
• Make cost estimates and comparisons for goods and services; independently make general supply purchases, research products, obtain quotes, and make purchasing recommendations for higher‑cost items.
• Process financial forms/transactions for the department and maintain an awareness of the budget for which the designated member(s) of the unit staff is responsible, participating in day‑to‑day fiscal decisions.
• Coordinate website updates for the unit and/or update social media accounts.
• Accompany or attend meetings with the designated member(s) of the unit staff, participating as requested.
• Compile, summarize, organize, and distribute information from a variety of sources for use in reports, brochures, and publications, such as collecting and writing material for print or electronic newsletters.
• Maintain or assist in the maintenance of inventory records.
• Plan, organize, assign, and review the work of the unit's administrative office support staff and participate in their selection, training, supervision, and evaluation.
• Gather, provide, and interpret information through identification and selection of appropriate sources; initiate contacts to clarify subjective information.
• Coordinate and/or administer test proctoring, including organizing delivery of test, scheduling students and/or test proctors, scheduling rooms, and returning completed exams to instructors.
• Perform duties listed in lower level of this classification series.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the categories below:
  • College coursework in any curriculum, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
    • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
    • Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
    • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
    • Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• Work experience performing office/clerical activities, including the use of computer systems.
• One (1) year (12 months) of work experience comparable to the second level of this series.

Illinois Residency Requirement

Out‑of‑state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military, or status as a protected veteran. The university will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal‑opportunity, and affirmative action laws, orders, and regulations.