"Business Support Specialist II"

Hiring Department

Dean of Journalism

Job Description

The Missouri School of Journalism is seeking a Business Support Specialist II to provide essential administrative support for both the Journalism Professions Group and Undergraduate Academic Advising. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting students, faculty, and leadership by ensuring smooth operations, timely communication, and effective coordination across both areas.

The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities with accuracy. This role offers the opportunity to build professional skills in academic administration while working in a collaborative, student-focused environment.

Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Provide clerical and administrative support to the Chair of Journalism Professions and the Director of Academic Advising, ensuring expectations of both departments are met.
• Manage calendars, phone calls, emails, and other communications on behalf of the advising director.
• Coordinate and manage the general academic advising email account, responding to inquiries and forwarding as appropriate.

Student & Faculty Support

• Access and update student records as directed; handle inquiries from students, parents, and faculty regarding processes and policies.
• Compile and analyze data related to enrollment, course management, academic actions, and student appeals; prepare reports for director review.
• Understand and communicate university and school policy information to stakeholders, directing individuals to appropriate resources when needed.

Operations & Logistics

• Manage the School’s equipment labs, including staffing, training, scheduling, supervision, and timekeeping of student employees; manage ordering, billing, and coordination with faculty to support course-related equipment needs.
• Support logistics and planning for Academic Advising and Journalism Professions events.
• Assist with other duties as assigned to support departmental goals.

Shift

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Minimum Qualifications

An Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing administrative support in a higher education or academic advising environment.
• Familiarity with student records systems (e.g., Slate, myZou, PeopleSoft, or similar).
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities accurately.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation, with a friendly and approachable demeanor and the ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Hiring Salary Range: $18 to $23 per hour
Grade: GGS-007
University Title: Business Support Specialist II
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Include a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references with the online application. Applications submitted without these attachments will not be considered.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.