Hourly Office Support Assistant - Global Education Office

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