Operations Assistant (Student)

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 20,911 - 29,783; Part time

Job summary

American University is looking for a Part-time Operations Assistant to manage daily operations at the University Center. The role requires customer service skills and the ability to handle event setups, security, and maintenance tasks. Ideal candidates will be organized, detail-oriented, and effective in a team environment.

The position requires a commitment of 10-12 hours per week, with a pay rate of $18.40 per hour. This opportunity is available for current undergraduate students at American University.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Quick learner with the capacity to acquire skills through training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily building operations and security of building occupants.
• Assist event coordinators with requested program needs.
• Address emergency situations and disturbances as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Leadership skills

Education

Currently enrolled undergraduate student

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction and leadership of the Operations and Event Services (OES) Coordinator, and supported by the University Center team, Operations Assistants are expected to be exemplary in maturity, responsibility, judgement, conduct, and scholarship. The Operations Assistant oversees the operation of the University Center footprint (University Center, Mary Graydon Center, Butler Pavilion, Residence Hall Formal Lounges, Quad, Amphitheater, and outdoor tabling locations) throughout the day, and acts on behalf of the University Center professional staff during evening and weekend hours or in their absence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily building operations, focusing on general cleanliness, maintenance, event/meeting set‑up/breakdown, and security & safety of building occupants.
• Perform and verify that the setup and equipment requested is complete and clean in the exact manner described on the setup report; perform future setups as outlined on the report.
• Assist event coordinator(s) with additional or requested program needs.
• Be familiar with daily workflow and events occurring in the University Center footprint.
• Answer the main University information line, directing calls and answering questions to the best of your ability.
• Tend to the information desk while assisting staff, faculty, students, and guests with inquiries.
• Oversee information tabling procedures for the University Center footprint.
• Maintain updated Operations Assistant Reports (OARs) highlighting issues with maintenance, custodial work, meeting and event information, attendance counts, student personnel, and building rounds, and follow up with the OES Coordinator and campus partners as needed.
• Serve as a resource for the University Center footprint, responding to questions and providing information & directions to campus areas, delivering exemplary customer service and effective decision‑making.
• Proactively establish policies and make appropriate recommendations regarding pertinent issues in collaboration with the OES Coordinator.
• Assist in managing, maintaining, and hanging advertisements as directed in designated spaces within the University Center footprint.
• Stay familiar with the University Center footprint – information, setups, offices, and AV needs.
• Address emergency situations, disturbances, and alarms; if beyond your control, coordinate with staff on duty and/or Public Safety for additional support.
• Perform opening and closing procedures at the beginning and end of each day, when applicable.
• Follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Operations Assistant handbook.
• Stay alert and informed on university events and procedures to provide the highest level of service for faculty, staff, and guests.
• Execute any other duties assigned by the University Center Staff.
• Attend required trainings and meetings as directed by the OES Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Dedicated and driven student with strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team environment, performing essential job functions accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision while cooperating with staff at a university level.
• Ability to prioritize work‑related tasks and personal/school life.
• Quick learner, able to acquire the requisite knowledge, experience, and skills through training.
• Organized, analytical, and detail‑oriented, capable of meeting varied deadlines.
• Willingness to uphold policies and procedures in building and event spaces while working with staff, faculty, students, and guests for their events.
• Ability to exercise authority and judgment in the absence of or in conjunction with the OES Coordinator and University Center Staff.
• Exceptional leadership characteristics and interpersonal skills.
• Strong sense of personal and professional integrity, exercising tact and diplomacy.
• Willing and able to represent American University effectively in situations of importance to the university’s present and future successes.
• Alert and knowledgeable of all University Center policies and procedures related to the footprint, event space, and the Operations Assistant position.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• In good academic standing.
• Currently enrolled undergraduate student at American University with a valid AU email account.
• Can lift up to 25 lbs.
• Flexible to work mornings, nights, and weekends for 10‑12 hours per week.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Customer service, positivity, patience, flexibility, and a can‑do attitude required.

Compensation & Work Hours

Part‑time: 10–12 hours per week. Salary: $18.40 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Employer

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively Protected Bases) in its programs and activities.