Administrative Assistant

Under the direction of a Dean or Director of a major function plan and perform a variety of complex secretarial and technical office duties in an assigned area to assure timely and efficient office operations for the department and relieve the Dean or Director of technical clerical duties; research, collect, analyze and compile data and information as needed; maintain complex files and records related to departmental operations, programs and expenditures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Administrative Assistant performs duties as primary secretarial support to a Dean or Director of a major function. The Secretary provides support to a Coordinator, Director or other supervisor of a small program or function. The Senior Administrative Secretary reports to a Vice President and provides a broad range of administrative support to a College Administrator. Plan and perform complex secretarial and technical office duties to assure timely and efficient office operations and relieve the Dean/Director of technical clerical duties. Perform various secretarial and administrative duties including answering telephones and greeting visitors; provide information in person or on the telephone or refer to appropriate personnel; open, screen and route mail. Compose, prepare and type a variety of correspondence, memos, reports and other materials specific to the assignment; proofread materials to assure accuracy and completeness. Organize and coordinate office functions activities and communications to assure efficient and effective office operations. Develop new and improved systems and procedures as a result of new policies or directives; assist with implementation after securing approval. Research, analyze and prepare information on a variety of topics for dissemination to the public through various communication means maintaining confidentiality of sensitive departmental and other information. Make decisions in accordance with laws and regulations and apply them to problem situations; receive and resolve complaints. Develop and maintain accurate files and records as required to support the office functions; maintain files in progress and assure proper completion. Process documents specific to the office assigned according to established procedures; prepare financial and statistical reports for the Dean/Director. Operate office machines including computers and related software applications, photocopiers, calculators, typewriter and other office equipment as assigned; maintain and control various databases. Attend meetings and record notes and minutes as required. Schedule appointments and meetings and notify appropriate individuals of meeting times and locations; arrange for meeting facilities as needed; prepare calendars as required. Maintain an appropriate level of office supplies and order forms and other office supplies as necessary. Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by college-level course work with a grade of “C” or better in computer information systems or business related coursework and three (3) years of increasingly responsible office secretarial or administrative office support experience including some public contact.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Modern office practices, procedures and equipment; telephone techniques and etiquette; Record-keeping techniques; operation of office machines including computer equipment and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, database management; and email; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; policies and objectives of assigned activities. Ability to: Plan and perform complex secretarial and public contact work in support of a Dean/Director; Plan and organize work; read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures; evaluate and recommend improvements to systems, procedures and methods; work confidentially with discretion; meet schedules and time lines; maintain logs, reports and records; answer telephones and greet the public courteously; determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines; operate a variety of office machines including a computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, database management and email; type at 45 words net per minute from clear copy; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare reports; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; maintain confidentiality of student records; understand and follow oral and written instructions; sit for extended periods of time; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch. Classified Bargaining Unit Position Classified Staff Salary Range 12 Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria) Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The primary location is Palm Desert Campus. The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Employment is contingent on residence in California. Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position. List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References. Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.

TIMELINES:

For consideration, please apply by September 4, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on October 19, 2026. Final Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on November 2, 2026. Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California