Administrative Associate Sr

Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessments Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking an Administrative Associate Senior to oversee the daily activities of the ATLAS office located on KU’s Lawrence campus, ensuring a positive, efficient, and well‑organized environment for staff and visitors. This role provides executive‑level administrative support to five associate directors and plays a key role in coordinating office operations, financial transactions, procurement activities, and center‑wide procedures.

The Administrative Associate Senior will maintain departmental systems and databases, monitor communications, support meeting and travel coordination, and serve as the first point of contact for facilities and technology‑related needs. The successful candidate demonstrates strong independent judgment, the ability to prioritize multiple complex tasks, and a proactive approach to improving operational processes and supporting special projects across the center.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology‑based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center’s map‑based learning systems.

With a diverse portfolio of grant‑funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

90% – Administrative and Operational Support

• Manage on‑site office operations and coordinate day‑to‑day activities; use independent judgment to determine what tasks require immediate attention.
• Perform a wide variety of highly responsible, complex and confidential duties to support the administration of ATLAS.
• Receive and respond to calls and communications with tact and diplomacy; research and respond to requests for sensitive information and assistance.
• Monitor departmental email accounts, sorting messages and routing them to the appropriate teams and/or responding to inquiries.
• Maintain a variety of databases used for tracking operational, financial and statistical information; generate reports as needed.
• Participate in special projects as assigned; collect and compile a variety of administrative and/or technical information; prepare reports of findings.
• Develop, revise and maintain operating and administrative procedures; develop forms and reports for departmental use.
• Order, maintain and reconcile office supply purchases; maintain office equipment and materials.
• Develop, maintain and archive a variety of departmental files and records; maintain manuals and update resource materials.
• Evaluate, develop, implement and maintain systems and procedures to support the efficient operation of the assigned area including recommendations for procedural changes affecting staff.
• Coordinate and make travel arrangements for key staff; maintain appointment schedules and calendars; organize and arrange meetings, conferences, etc.
• Prepare and submit travel expense and p‑card requests.
• Review and submit vendor invoices.
• Prepare and analyze documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

5% – Serve as a liaison to AAI desktop support staff and provide first‑tier technical support to center staff.

5% – Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED equivalency and four (4) years of relevant office experience OR four (4) years of post‑secondary education.
• Two (2) years’ experience as a Site Coordinator or similar role.
• One (1) year experience maintaining databases/spreadsheets and generating operational, financial, or statistical reports.
• Two (2) years’ experience supporting executive staff including Outlook calendar management, travel arrangements, and purchase card reconciliation.
• Excel…