The Hourly Office Support Assistant plays a key role in creating an
exceptional experience for students, visitors, faculty, and staff
who interact with the Global Education Office (GEO) within Student
Enrollment Management Global Initiatives. As the first point of
contact for the office, this position helps foster a welcoming,
professional, and inclusive environment while providing outstanding
customer service to a diverse international community.
Serving as the hub of daily office operations, the Hourly Office
Support Assistant manages front desk activities, responds to
inquiries by phone and email, connects individuals with appropriate
resources, and ensures visitors receive timely assistance. This
position also provides valuable administrative support to
departmental leadership, including the Executive Director of
Operations and Communications, the Communications Manager, and
senior university leaders.
The ideal candidate is organized, personable, detail-oriented, and
enjoys working in a dynamic, multicultural environment. This role
offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting
global engagement initiatives and helping students and visitors
navigate university resources with confidence.
Why Join Our Team?
The Global Education Office is
committed to supporting international education, global learning,
and cross-cultural engagement. This position offers an opportunity
to work with people from around the world while serving in a highly
visible role that contributes directly to the success of students,
visitors, and university initiatives. If you enjoy helping others,
building connections, and being at the center of a fast-paced and
welcoming office environment, we encourage you to apply!
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities of the
Hourly Office Support Assistant include, but are not limited
to:
- Reception & Visitor Engagement (40%)
Serve as the welcoming face of the Global Education Office by
creating positive first impressions and ensuring students,
visitors, faculty, staff, and community members receive exceptional
customer service and timely assistance.
Communication & Inquiry Management (40%)
Facilitate effective communication across the office by managing
high-volume inquiries, maintaining communication channels, and
connecting individuals with the appropriate resources and staff
members.
Administrative & Executive Support (15%)
Provide organizational and administrative support to departmental
leadership while contributing to the efficient operation of office
programs, projects, and special initiatives.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Contribute to special projects, office initiatives, events, and
operational needs that support the mission of the Global Education
Office and enhance the experience of students, visitors, and campus
partners.
Required Qualifications
- A high school diploma or GED and at least two years of
experience in customer service, hospitality, administrative
support, front-office operations, or a related field.
- A strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service
in a professional, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
- The ability to communicate effectively and professionally with
individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and varying levels
of English proficiency.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to
build positive relationships and respond to inquiries with
courtesy, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the
ability to prioritize multiple tasks, maintain accuracy, and adapt
to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Google
Workspace tools, including experience managing calendars,
documents, spreadsheets, and shared communication platforms.
- Attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive or
confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of
respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and
students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, or a
commitment to do so as a member of the VCU community.
- A collaborative approach to work and the ability to contribute
positively as part of a team while also working independently when
needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting students, faculty, staff, or visitors in
a higher education environment.
- Experience in international education, student services,
hospitality, or other customer-facing environments serving diverse
populations.
- Familiarity with working in multicultural settings and an
appreciation for global perspectives and cross-cultural
communication.
- A bachelor's degree or progress toward a degree in a related
field.
- Experience coordinating office operations, managing shared
communication channels, or providing administrative support to
multiple stakeholders.
- Proficiency in a second language.
Position Details
FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Hours per week: 29
Salary Range: Up to $19
Flexible Work Arrangement: 100% On-site
Contact Information
Contact Name: Jessica Abernathy
Contact Email: jereid@vcu.edu