The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.
At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.
Here is what we offer:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
- Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
- Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
- Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
- Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
Join Howard University and thrive with us!
https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness
JOB PURPOSE:
The Administrative Assistant provides front-line administrative and operational support for the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA). This position supports a high-volume, student-facing office that processes requests for reasonable accommodations and coordinates testing services. The Administrative Assistant ensures a welcoming, organized, and efficient environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors and handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:
This position does not supervise staff; may provide functional guidance to student employees or temporary staff as assigned.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
The primary function of the Administrative Assistant is to manage daily office operations, including reception and communications, testing and exam administration support, scheduling and calendar coordination, supply ordering, records management, and general administrative support. The position provides direct support to OSA professional staff and helps ensure consistent, timely, and student-centered service delivery.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Serve as the primary front-desk contact for OSA, including greeting visitors, answering phones, monitoring the main office email inbox, and routing inquiries appropriately.
- Respond to student, faculty, and staff inquiries in a timely, professional, and service-oriented manner, including drafting routine correspondence and status updates as needed.
- Coordinate testing operations, including scheduling accommodated exams, communicating testing logistics, and maintaining an accurate testing calendar.
- Proctor accommodated exams in alignment with office procedures, maintaining test security and academic integrity standards.
- Prepare, set up, and organize testing rooms and materials, including maintaining a clean, orderly, and accessible testing environment.
- Maintain and update records, logs, and tracking documents related to testing and office operations; assist staff with data entry and document organization.
- Receive, distribute, and store exams and related materials securely; ensure appropriate chain-of-custody procedures and confidentiality.
- Receive, distribute, and store exams and related materials securely; ensure appropriate chain-of-custody procedures and confidentiality.
- Order office and testing supplies; maintain inventory and coordinate delivery/stocking of supplies, including break room supplies and shared office resources.
- Support scheduling and logistics for student appointments, meetings, trainings, and office programming as needed.
- Create and sustain a pleasant, professional work environment, including maintaining the reception area, testing areas, and common spaces.
- Handle confidential and sensitive information in compliance with applicable university policies and privacy requirements (e.g., FERPA) and maintain discretion in all communications.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services to support the mission and operational needs of the office.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Collaborate with OSA professional staff to support timely processing of testing logistics and student support activities.
- Coordinate with faculty and academic departments regarding exam delivery, pick-up, and return procedures and testing requirements.
- Partner with campus units as needed (e.g., Residence Life, Advocacy & Support, HUPantry, Military & Veterans, and other Student Affairs offices) to support accommodation-related logistics and service delivery.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree preferred.
- 2+ years of administrative, office management, front-desk, or customer service experience in a busy office environment (higher education experience preferred).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a high-volume, student-facing setting.
- Strong interpersonal, customer service, and written/oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive matters with exceptionally good judgment, professionalism, and discretion.
- Proficiency with standard office technology (e.g., Microsoft Office, email, calendars, scheduling systems) and comfort learning new systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow privacy requirements and office protocols.
- Ability to sit/stand for extended periods, lift and move testing materials/supplies as needed, and support testing operations during peak periods, which may fall outside of normal operating hours.
Compliance Salary Range Disclosure
Expected Salary Range: $45,000 - $52,000