Senior Administrative Assistant and Office Manager – Student Involvement and Traditions – Division

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Senior Administrative Assistant and Office Manager for Carnegie Mellon University. This role will act as the primary contact for the Student Involvement and Traditions and Community Engagement and Leadership Development Offices, managing communications and office operations effectively.

The position requires a strong administrative background, organizational skills, and experience in a diverse and collaborative work environment. Applicants should have a High School Diploma, with a preference for a Bachelor's Degree and relevant supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Five years of administrative experience, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Exceptional planning skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Experience in supervising staff and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as office manager for the dual-office suite.
• Supervise hiring and development of staff members.
• Maintain organization and communication across different platforms.
• Provide administrative support to directors and manage schedules.
• Facilitate onboarding processes for new hires.

Skills

Administrative support

Office management

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Cultural competency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The Student Involvement and Traditions (SIT) and Community Engagement and Leadership Development (CELD) Offices at Carnegie Mellon University are searching for a Senior Administrative Assistant and Office Manager to join the dynamic team supporting both offices. The role serves as primary point of contact and expert in office functions, working closely with SIT and CELD colleagues to support over 350 student organizations, campus traditions, leadership development programs, and community engagement efforts.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as office manager for the dual‑office suite, including reception, breakroom, storage, staff offices, and a community engagement hub. Oversee organization, cleanliness, function, and technology across all spaces.
• Supervise one full‑time administrative staff member and oversee multiple part‑time student staff, including hiring, training, and development.
• Leverage staff to provide office reception and communications functions, including answering phones, directing walk‑in traffic, coordinating mail, and managing multiple email accounts.
• Maintain clarity and accuracy of information on SIT/CELD websites, chatbot responses, the student organization management tool (TartanConnect), and suite policies and procedures. Intake, troubleshoot, and route unique questions and circumstances as necessary.
• Assist departmental staff by providing primary admin support to two directors and secondary support to other staff, implementing scheduling, travel coordination, and meeting logistics.
• Oversee student experience in storage and office spaces, conduct periodic inspections, partner with collaborators, and manage issue resolution and communications.
• Coordinate staff search processes in partnership with hiring managers and support onboarding for successful candidates.
• Provide administrative leadership for all student staff hiring and compliance processes, including HR system initiation, hours reporting, and onboarding.
• Project‑manage ongoing and ad‑hoc departmental processes, programs, and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in service to the department and the broader Carnegie Mellon community.

Desired Qualifications and Attributes

• Proven ability to champion an innovative and collaborative work environment.
• Proven administrative support and office management experience with strong organizational and planning skills, and oral, written, interpersonal, and intercultural communication skills.
• A commitment to supporting the needs of a diverse student body.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Five years of related experience, preferably in higher education, community organization, or non‑profit setting.
• Previous supervision experience preferred.
• A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered if comparable knowledge is demonstrated.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.

Position type: Staff – Regular, Full time, Pay basis: Hourly. Location: Pittsburgh, PA.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Statement of Assurance.