Desk Clerk

Job Summary

A Desk Clerk performs clerical duties and is responsible for building security, access control, and equipment management. The role serves as a primary area desk contact for residents in the residential area, for administrative needs specific to managing sleeping room access, building access, and the temp card inventory to support lock-outs.

The position requires excellent organization and communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as within the team. Desk Clerks work primarily from the area desk (shared workspace); with alternative workspace assignments based on seasonal departmental needs. Desk Clerks conduct rounds of buildings and repair and replace electronic locks.

Principal Accountabilities

• Contacts 30% - Perform clerical duties in accordance with Residential Services policy and expectations. This includes but is not limited to answering phone calls, checking email regularly throughout their shift, communicating information between shifts to their colleagues and supervisor, and processing resident room changes.
• Documents and Databases 40% - Encode and invalidate student IDs and temporary access cards for building and room access. Ensures careful management of temp room cards; performs a monthly access card audit. Check out and follow up for return of borrowed equipment by accurately maintaining appropriate forms and records. Prepares and types emails, labels, routine correspondence, etc. Posts, and at times creates signage throughout the building regarding renovations, repair work, and upcoming events. Enters information into spreadsheets and databases. Runs standard access reports and residential rosters. Processes student lockout and temporary card replacement charges in line with department lockout policy.
• Cordination 25% - Maintains inventory and orders supplies.
• Miscellaneous 5% - Performs other related duties as assigned. Works on various projects as directed by the Desk & Access Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1 year of administrative support or other relevant experience required.

Minimum Competencies

• Excellent customer service skills; welcoming and courteous
• Basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Work with some independence, multitask, and work with frequent interruptions.
• Identify priorities in order to recognize and resolve or refer problems
• Ability to work in shared workspace in an office environment.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.