Office Administrator – Student Life Department (UAE National ONLY)

Job Summary:

This position supports the Student Life Department within the Office of Student Affairs. The support provided by the role is primarily administrative, logistical, and clerical, utilizing both oral and written communication skills on a daily basis, and includes event coordination. Daily tasks will include, but are not limited to, managing front desk operations such as handling walk-in traffic, overseeing the student attendance process, preparing presentation materials, drafting and managing communication emails/letters, organizing meetings and collaborating on activities/events planning that support the department’s mission, in collaboration with the Manager of Student Life, two Senior Student Life Officers, and all activities initiated by the unit. The position will assist in all aspects of planning student programs, events, and activities, including large campus events such as Commencement, Student/Parents-Family Orientation Programs, Global Day, National Day, Open Days, and several other key events. The position works in a cross-functional manner with the administrative support staff for the Office of Student Affairs. The work environment is student-centered, solution-oriented, and constantly evolving, with high expectations for accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through with assigned tasks.

Job Description:

Office Administrator – Student Life Department

American University of Ras Al Khaimah

General information about institution

The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university.  AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region.  The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sands dunes, and the many historical sites.

AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities.  AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.

Job Purpose & Responsibilities

This position supports the Student Life Department within the Office of Student Affairs. The support provided by the role is primarily administrative, logistical, and clerical, utilizing both oral and written communication skills on a daily basis, and includes event coordination. Daily tasks will include, but are not limited to, managing front desk operations such as handling walk-in traffic, overseeing the student attendance process, preparing presentation materials, drafting and managing communication emails/letters, organizing meetings and collaborating on activities/events planning that support the department’s mission, in collaboration with the Manager of Student Life, two Senior Student Life Officers, and all activities initiated by the unit. The position will assist in all aspects of planning student programs, events, and activities, including large campus events such as Commencement, Student/Parents-Family Orientation Programs, Global Day, National Day, Open Days, and several other key events. The position works in a cross-functional manner with the administrative support staff for the Office of Student Affairs. The work environment is student-centered, solution-oriented, and constantly evolving, with high expectations for accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through with assigned tasks.

Minimum Qualification and Education

• Bachelor’s degree
• Intermediate or above proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Have a customer service background with experience or willingness to be student-centered with services
• Strong office management skills, including excellent skills in setting and managing multiple priorities simultaneously, scheduling, time management, organizational management, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of event planning, preparation, and execution
• Excellent administrative skills for an office setting that requires solution-oriented thinking and resource management
• Above beginner proficiency is a must, and a willingness to learn and use online management software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet manipulation, and calendar management.
• Excellent communication skills in English, spoken, written, and comprehension, are mandatory
• Ability to work in a setting with sensitive and confidential student information.

Work Experience

Minimum 2-4 years’ experience in the coordinator/Secretarial/ Administration field.

Language proficiency required

Bilingual Fluency English and Arabic. English Fluency (reading, writing, speaking) is essential, with the ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with ease.

Competencies

• Service Excellence-
• Professional Ethics and Integrity-
• Problem-solving-
• Time Management-
• Teamwork-

Reporting line

Manager of the Student Life Department