Senior Desk Assistant; SDA; Student

General

The Senior Desk Assistant is responsible for leadership and oversight of the operations of a Housing & Residence Life Front Desk. The Senior Desk Assistant reports directly to an Administrative Associate and indirectly to the Business Coordinator for Front Desks & Administration. This person should be able to demonstrate effective skills in communication, leadership, administration, and must understand and be sensitive to the needs of others.

The Senior Desk Assistant is not required to live in on campus housing, however, this position requires some evening hours, and last-minute Desk coverage. As such, the Senior Desk Assistant should be generally available by phone and able to quickly respond to campus. This position should expect to work an average of 20 hours each week, 8-12 of these hours must be scheduled between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

As a representative of Housing & Residence Life, Student Affairs, and the University of Kansas, Senior Desk Assistants demonstrate a commitment to the Mission and Values of Housing & Residence Life.

Our Mission

Building learning-centered communities through individual support and respect.

Our Central Values

• Engaging communities
• Vibrant physical spaces
• Effective administration

Position Expectations

Each Senior Desk Assistant is subject to possible progressive discipline up to and including termination if they violate any policies, procedures, and regulations of Residence Life, and of The University of Kansas, including, but not limited to, the Terms and Conditions of the Housing & Residence Life Contract, Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities, KU Human Resources policies, and the Housing & Residence Life Handbook.

Term of Appointment and Application:
The Senior Desk Assistant position begins October 15th, 2026, and will continue through May 31st, 2027, with the possibility of extending employment based on departmental need & the applicants standing within the role. Limited flexibility in start and end dates may be considered; these accommodations would be mutually agreed. In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the position description, a Senior Desk Assistant is required to participate in orientation, staff development and training sessions, and regularly scheduled staff meetings.

Exceptions may be granted by Administrative Associates in consultation with the Business Coordinator.

The position of Senior Desk Assistant does not typically allow for involvement with practicums or internships, regular student teaching or additional employment within the University. Approval from the Assistant Director for Housing Services must be obtained in advance and in writing before participation in such activities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

40% - Front Desk Management

• Co-Manage at least one 24-hour Front Desk with their direct supervisor, which serves the residents and guests of a building.
• Ensure quality customer service at the Front Desk; while providing a welcoming environment to residents and guests.
• Assist with the management of the Desk Assistant staff with the Administrative Associate and/or the Business Coordinator.
• Assist the Housing & Residence Life Staff with the hiring of Desk Assistants.
• Assist the Housing & Residence Life Staff with Desk Assistant training and residence life staff training.
• Onboard and train new Desk Assistants into the role and help with familiarity within the position and the complex.
• Evaluate the Desk Assistants as needed, but minimally once per year.
• Create the Front Desk schedule (including breaks), assign shifts to Desk Assistants, find coverage, and fill in when staff miss a shift.
• Facilitate a regular monthly…