Operations Assistant (Student) (FWS)

American University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

American University seeks an Operations Assistant to support the Mary Graydon Student Center and MGSC footprint. You will help manage daily operations, assist with event setup, answer the information line, and provide campus directions with strong customer service.

This on-campus student role requires a Federal Work-Study award, active AU email, and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Flexible hours include mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Qualifications

• Active Federal Work-Study award and good academic standing.
• Currently enrolled undergraduate student at American University with a valid AU email.
• Able to lift items up to 25 lbs.
• Flexible to work mornings, nights, and weekends for 10–12 hours per week.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily MGSC footprint operations including cleanliness, setup, and safety.
• Assist with event/meeting setup and breakdown per setup reports.
• Support information desk/phone line and guide visitors.
• Model exemplary customer service and provide campus directions as needed.
• Maintain Operations Assistant Reports highlighting maintenance and attendance.
• Coordinate with staff on duty and Public Safety for emergencies.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Federal Work-Study eligibility

Undergraduate student status

Job description

Overview

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

Responsibilities include interpreting and implementing department and university policies while overseeing building operations, meeting and event support, information desk/phone line, and a variety of programs and services.

Essential Functions

Oversee daily building operations, focusing on cleanliness, maintenance, event/meeting set‑up and breakdown; oversee services & programs and security & safety of building occupants.

Perform and verify that setup and equipment requested is complete (and clean) in the exact manner described on the setup report, unless otherwise directed.

When possible, perform future setups requested according to and described on the setup report (work ahead).

Assist event coordinator(s) with any additional or requested program needs and be familiar with the workflow of the day and the events taking place in the MGSC 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 Student Center footprint.

Keep updated Operations Assistant Reports (OARs) highlighting issues with maintenance & custodial, meeting and event information & attendance counts, student personnel, and building rounds.

Serve as a resource for the MGSC footprint, respond to questions, provide information & directions to areas on campus, display exemplary customer service and utilize effective decision‑making ability.

Be proactive in the establishment of 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 in the MGSC footprint.

Be familiar with MGSC footprint – information, setups, offices, AV needs.

Be able to address emergency situations, disturbances, and alarms, and coordinate with staff on duty or Public Safety as needed.

Perform opening and closing procedures at the beginning and end of each day, if applicable.

Follow all policies and procedures as 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.

Attend any required trainings and meetings, as directed by the OES Coordinator.

Other duties as assigned by the Student Center Staff.

Required Education and Experience

Student must have an active Federal Work Study (FWS) award and be in good academic standing.

Must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at American University with a valid AU email account.

Must be willing and able to lift items up to 25 lbs.

Flexibility to work mornings, nights, and weekends for 10‑12 hours per week.

Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, performing essential job functions accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision.

Ability to prioritize work‑related tasks and personal/school life, and to be a quick learner through training.

Organized, analytical and detail‑oriented individual capable of performing under a variety of requirements and deadlines.

Willingness to uphold policies and procedures in the building and event spaces, working with staff, faculty, students, and guests.

Cooperates and collaborates with staff at a level appropriate for the University community.

Ability to exercise authority and good judgment in the absence of or in conjunction with the OES Coordinator and MGSC Staff.

Demonstrates exceptional leadership characteristics and interpersonal skills, integrity, tact, and diplomacy.

Willing and able to represent American University effectively in significant situations.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Operations Assistant staff will be compensated according to the Student Center wage rates and guidelines. Rates and guidelines are subject to change from year to year.

Other Details

The position is available only to enrolled American University students. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Contact Information

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.