Office Manager 00156

This is a full-time, non-exempt position designated as a “responsible employee” and “designated personnel” role.

About the Role

The Office Manager plays a key role in ensuring positive and consistent customer service and in supporting the delivery of Human Resources (HR) programs for CNU employees. The role directly assists with the administration and coordination of a comprehensive, complex range of HR services, including classification and compensation, benefits, training and development, employee relations, and recruitment. The Office Manager oversees day-to-day front-office operations and provides service to employees and all HR stakeholders, including CNU employees and various external constituencies.

The position serves as the first point of contact and a trusted resource for employee and community inquiries, responding promptly and accurately using advanced knowledge of HR program requirements, policies, procedures, and guidelines. The Office Manager resolves issues as needed and escalates complex matters to the appropriate HR personnel when required. Additionally, the Office Manager effectively utilizes complex databases and spreadsheets to support HR operations and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate a comprehensive range of HR services, including classification and compensation, benefits, training and development, employee relations, and recruitment.
• Oversee day-to-day front-office operations, serving as the first point of contact for HR inquiries from employees and external stakeholders.
• Respond to employee and community inquiries using advanced knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Resolve customer service issues and escalate complex matters to appropriate HR personnel.
• Utilize complex databases and spreadsheets to support HR operations and reporting.
• Manage executive office operations, including maintaining inventory, managing complex files, and formatting formal letters and memoranda.
• Support employee orientation and other pre-planned events, requiring a flexible schedule as needed.
• Navigate challenging conversations with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment to address and resolve customer concerns.
• Develop and maintain positive customer relations with extensive on- and off-campus constituencies.
• Organize work to ensure timely delivery of services and support, making independent workflow and priority decisions.
• Manage multiple projects and develop high-quality written correspondences, including memoranda, emails, letters, and reports.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience in office management.
• Experience with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
• Experience working with the public or providing customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• College coursework in secretarial science or related studies, or a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience working at a VA state agency.
• Experience with onboarding documents such as tax forms and/or I-9 documents.
• Experience in an educational institution.
• Experience managing an office inventory and/or budget.
• Experience working with eVA purchasing system.
• Experience formatting and writing formal letters and memoranda.
• Experience managing personnel files.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of office practices, operations, and procedures.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including composition of formal letters and memoranda.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work accurately with details, demonstrate initiative, and exhibit discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle challenging conversations with professionalism and empathy.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs.

Physical & Cognitive Requirements

• Ability to safely lift and carry light loads (1-20 lbs.).
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, kneel, crouch, walk, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities, intense customer interaction, and frequent changes.
• Essential mental/sensory demands include memory, reasoning, hearing, reading, analyzing, logic, verbal and written communication.

Pay

$42,560 to $53,200, commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

This position includes Commonwealth of Virginia and Christopher Newport University employee benefits, such as:

• Comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Available leave including vacation, sick time, personal time, and volunteer/service leave.
• Discounted travel, banking, legal, and retail services for state employees.

For more information, visit CNU Benefits.