Residential Desk Clerk – Front Desk & Security

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Desk Clerk for CSL Housing and Residence Life Operations in Chicago, IL. This 40-hour, on-site position supports front desk operations, mail handling, and resident services in a 9-month academic-year schedule with possible shutdowns in winter and summer.

The role requires strong customer service, clerical skills, and the ability to manage packages up to 49 lbs, monitor access, and use MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of general office or clerical experience required.
• One year of customer service experience preferred in a college/university setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform clerical duties per HRL policy, including calls, emails, shift communications, and resident room changes.
• Provide excellent customer service to residents, staff, and visitors.
• Greet residents and staff; assist with front desk services and campus information.
• Receive and distribute mail and packages; log into online distribution system; manage loads up to 49 lbs.
• Monitor security doors and lobby entry; verify IDs; maintain sign-in/out records.
• Encode and invalidate campus cards for building access.
• Maintain supplies; request and stock front desk materials.
• Follow directives from leadership; orient new staff; schedule on-call replacements.
• Know emergency protocols and evacuation systems; report incidents.

Skills

Customer service

Office software

MS Word

MS Excel

Outlook

Web-based systems

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Web-based systems

Job description

The University of Chicago is seeking a Desk Clerk for CSL Housing and Residence Life Operations in Chicago, IL. This 40-hour, on-site position supports front desk operations, mail handling, and resident services in a 9-month academic-year schedule with possible shutdowns in winter and summer.

The role requires strong customer service, clerical skills, and the ability to manage packages up to 49 lbs, monitor access, and use MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.