Pathways Office Assistant

John Wood Community College; Quincy (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

John Wood Community College seeks a Pathways Office Assistant to be the first point of contact for students, families, and visitors. The role supports daily operations, manages front desk duties, triages calls and emails, and schedules student Pathway appointments to ensure timely access to resources.

The position emphasizes a welcoming, student-centered environment and requires an associate degree with at least one year of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required or equivalent combination of education and experiences.
• One year of customer service, administrative support, or office experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary front desk representative for the Pathways Office.
• Greet students, families, and visitors and provide information on advising and student support services.
• Answer, screen, and route incoming calls to appropriate staff members.

Skills

Customer service

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Data entry

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database management systems

Scheduling software

Job description

This is a full-time, 12-month, non-exempt position that reports to the Director of Pathways and is located at the JWCC campus in Quincy, Illinois. Position begins immediately.

Job Description

The Pathways Office Assistant serves as the first point of contact for students, families, and community members visiting or contacting the Pathways Office. This position provides exceptional customer service while supporting daily operations. Responsibilities include front desk management, phone and email triage, appointment scheduling, student record updates, data entry, and administrative support for the Pathways team and Director. The Office Assistant plays a critical role in creating a welcoming, student-centered environment and ensuring students are connected to the appropriate resources and services in a timely manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary front desk representative for the Pathways Office.
• Greet students, families, and visitors and provide accurate information regarding advising, registration, and student support services.
• Answer, screen, and route incoming phone calls to appropriate staff members.
• Respond to routine student inquiries in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Assist students with navigating college processes and connecting to campus resources.
• Schedule student Pathway appointments.
• Manage appointment calendars and coordinate meeting logistics.
• Monitor office traffic and ensure students are directed to the appropriate staff member or service area.
• Maintain office procedures and support efficient daily operations.
• Process student schedule updates and assist with registration-related administrative tasks.
• Enter, update, and maintain student information in college systems and databases.
• Verify accuracy of records and documentation.
• Assist with data tracking, reporting, and record maintenance as assigned.
• Monitor and manage shared departmental email inboxes.
• Respond to routine communications and forward inquiries to appropriate staff members.
• Assist with communication campaigns, event registration tracking, and follow-up activities.
• Support outreach efforts related to onboarding, retention and student success initiatives.
• Provide administrative support to the Director of Pathways and Pathways staff.
• Prepare documents, reports, correspondence, and meeting materials.
• Maintain office supplies and coordinate ordering as needed.
• Support special projects and initiatives that contribute to student enrollment, retention, and success.

Education

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree required or equivalent combination of education and experiences.

Experience

• One year of customer service, administrative support, or office experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Preferred

• Experience working in higher education, student services, or a customer-facing office environment.
• Experience with student information systems, CRM platforms, or scheduling software.
• Knowledge of admissions, advising, registration, or student support processes.

Skills And Competencies

• Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information appropriately.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse student populations and campus stakeholders.
• Commitment to supporting student success and fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position with a typical schedule of Monday-Thursday (8am - 5pm) and Friday (8am - 12pm).

Salary

• This is a non-exempt position with an estimated annual base starting salary of $16.00-$17.00.

APPLICATION

Position is open until filled.

8/6/2026

Salary: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying for a job, please submit a request to [e-mail].