Desk Clerk

Department

Residential Ops & Services (NEX/9)

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, handling administrative needs related to managing sleeping room access, building access, and the temporary card inventory to support lock‑outs.

A Desk Clerk must be able to handle high and low levels of activity while providing excellent customer service to internal and external partners. This includes answering the telephone on the HOME Phone Line, greeting residents, answering questions, identifying and analyzing residents’ housing‑related problems, and directing them appropriately. The position requires excellent organization and communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as within a team.

Desk Clerks work primarily from the area desk (shared workspace), with alternative workspace assignments based on seasonal departmental needs. They conduct building rounds and repair and replace electronic locks.

The pay range for this Desk Clerk position is $21.00 to $22.18 per hour, depending on experience, skills, and internal equity.

• Perform clerical duties in accordance with Residential Services policy and expectations, including answering phone calls, checking email, communicating information between shifts, and processing resident room changes.
• Provide exceptional customer service to residents, staff, and visitors.
• Engage residents, staff, and visitors as they use the amenities of the residence hall, providing information about campus and residence hall policies and procedures.
• Participate in opening and closing procedures. Answer basic room availability and contract questions as directed by Residential Services.
• Serve as the primary contact for IT related items, as directed.
• Report facility concerns through the university and department work order system; direct residents to place service requests and troubleshoot problems; act as liaison between residents and maintenance staff.
• Be knowledgeable in emergency protocols and evacuation systems, keep alert to unusual circumstances, and take appropriate action and report critical issues to supervisors and Facilities.

• Encode and invalidate student IDs and temporary access cards for building and room access.
• Ensure careful management of temporary room cards and perform a monthly access card audit.
• Check out equipment and follow up on its return, accurately maintaining forms and records.
• Prepare and type emails, labels, and routine correspondence.
• Post and, at times, create signage in the building regarding renovations, repair work, and upcoming events.
• Enter information into spreadsheets and databases.
• Run standard access reports and residential rosters.
• Process student lockout and temporary card replacement charges in line with department lockout policy.

• Maintain inventory and order supplies.

• Perform other related duties as assigned and work on various projects directed by the Desk & Access Manager.

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

• Excellent customer service skills – welcoming and courteous.
• Basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Work independently, multitask, and handle frequent interruptions.
• Identify priorities and recognize or refer problems.
• Ability to work in a shared workspace in an office environment.

• Some college or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Ability to climb up to 5 flights of stairs at one time and kneel.
• Ability to carry items weighing up to 15 lb.

At Northwestern, we provide high‑quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, and more. Learn more at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

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