Information & Student Services Front Desk Assistant

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Organization's Summary Statement:
The Graduate School at the University of Maryland is seeking a professional, detail-oriented, and customer-focused individual to join our Information Desk team. As the first point of contact for the Graduate School, you will play a vital role in supporting prospective and current students, faculty, and University administrators. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, mastering new software, and providing high-level administrative support in a dynamic academic environment.

This position reports to the Coordinator for Front Desk Services and is a contingent hourly position (up to 40 hours/week) located on-site at the Lee Building. Telework is not available for this position.

• Front desk liaison:
  Serve as the primary face and voice of the Graduate School. Handle in-person inquiries, phone calls, and emails with professionalism and accuracy. (40%)
• Resource Expert:
  Provide guidance on graduate admissions, fellowships, funding, graduation requirements, student and academic deadlines. (20%)
• Administrative Processing:
  Assist with the intake and processing of official academic records, petitions, waivers of regulation, and remote defense requests. (20%)
• Data Management:
  Utilize campus software (SIS, Terp Engage, Adobe Suite, Google Suite) to update student records and communicate information. (15%)
• Operations Support:
  Maintain the office supply inventory system for the Information Desk and assist with other administrative tasks as assigned. (5%)

This contractual exempt position is funded for six months with potential for extension.

Hourly rate range: $30–$35 depending on work experience.

UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.

Location: Ability to work on-site at the Lee Building, Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Office environment setting with majority of time spent working at a computer. Requires close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing computer terminals, extensive reading. Ability to move about campus to attend meetings/events.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency with computers and a demonstrated ability to learn job‑specific software quickly.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Administrative experience in an academic department or college.
• Experience with graduate education.
• Previous experience in a high‑volume customer service or administrative role.
• Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA regulations.

N/A

Resume, cover letter & list of references.

Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Experience:

2 years providing administrative support.

Applicants may be required to complete the institution’s required skills assessment to be considered. Some positions require specific skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, email or calendaring software, and Internet proficiency.

• General knowledge of and skill in the practical application of generally accepted office practices and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to proofread and edit written documents.
• Skill in various computer software packages, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation programs, Internet, email, and calendaring software.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively with internal and external parties in a courteous and efficient manner.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and execute multiple and continuing assignments with general instructions.

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.