Department: Economic Development

Title: Administrative Assistant

Job Status: Part-Time, Up To 20 hours per week

Wage range: $15 to $18 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience

The Smith Center Economic Development Department is looking for an Administrative Assistant to assist and support the department’s Director in carrying out the administration of the department’s programs and services, providing marketing and communications support, administrative support, and coordinating with local, county, and regional contacts. The Administrative Assistant will also provide support for the Chamber of Commerce.

This is an entry-level, part-time position with an expected 20 hours per week, based out of the SC Economic Development Department office, 219 S Main Street, Smith Center, KS. The ideal candidate will have a 2- or 4-year college degree, business management skills, and experience delivering excellent customer service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Coordination

• Assist in the administration of SCED programs and events.

• Represent the department positively in public by acting as a professional ambassador

• Support the mission and goals through a collaborative and welcoming attitude

• Conduct and assist with research for specific projects as directed, regarding potential prospects, demographic information, statistical information, retail information, questionnaires, survey contact information, etc.

• Research external initiatives to assist the director in creating new SCED programs, as necessary.

• Assist with grant writing process as necessary.

Office Management

• Create and maintain an organized filing system, both electronic and paper documents

• Provide assistant/administrative support to the Executive Director and Board(s)

• Maintain confidential records and files.

• Understand the materials and resources available through the office.

• Maintain office equipment and supplies.

• Undertake office reception duties by in person, email and telephone.

• Prepare communications such as emails, invoices, reports, and other correspondence as needed.

• Organize, schedule, and prepare for appointments, meetings and maintain office calendars as necessary.

• Assist in the preparation of expense, board, grant and other reports

• Provide other administrative and office management support, as needed

Communication and Outreach

• Assist in updating and maintaining SCED’s and Chamber’s online presence and social media account(s).

• Assist in responding to email, phone, and in person requests and correspondence

• Assist in maintaining SCED’s and Chamber’s website as needed.

• Assist in drafting, editing, and disseminating written communications

Chamber of Commerce

• Event Planning:

o Work with Director to organize speakers, catering, technology, and other supplies

o Assist with other aspects of event planning for sponsored chamber events

• Manage Old Settlers’ Day Event

• Attend Chamber of Commerce Board Meetings (one evening a month)

• Assist with other Chamber duties as needed or as assigned

Reporting and Authority

The Administrative Assistant reports directly to the Director. The Administrative Assistant has authority to implement specific delegated tasks and to execute ongoing support activities in accordance with organizational guidance, practices, and standards; and will consult with the Director before initiating new assignments, finalizing public communications, or making decisions that affect organizational resources.

Qualifications

A 2- or 4-year college degree is preferred. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, excellent writing skills and highly capable administrative or business skills. We prefer, but don’t require, customer service experience working with municipal, nonprofit or small business owners.

We are looking for someone who is organized with close attention to detail and follow-through while managing multiple tasks. Must be comfortable with Word, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat software and working on PC computers.

Physical requirements of this position include ability to spend hours listening, taking notes, and talking; working via computer, telephone and other modern electronic devices; organizing paper and electronic files; driving to local meetings and events; light lifting of equipment and materials; with occasional night or weekend work.