Department Assistant, Academic Development

Job Description

Job Description

Established in 1976 the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is a First Nation governed post-secondary institution. Recognized under provincial legislation, the Institute has been conferred authority to grant certificates and diplomas. SIIT welcomes over 2400 students into our urban and community programs annually as well as serving over 6000 clients through our nine Career Centres across the province. The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies is playing a significant role in Saskatchewan's economic future. You can contribute to that success while building your career.

Nature and Scope

The Department Assistant focuses on general office and administration support in their particular department and reports into a direct supervisor. As an employee of SIIT, positively promote and create an environment that demonstrates SIIT's vision, mission and mandate.

General Accountability

The Department Assistant is accountable for coordination and administrative support functions as well as establishing, maintaining, and overseeing effective administrative processes in their respective department, consistent with SIIT standards and protocols.

Specific Accountabilities

The incumbent provides administrative functions and works in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing demands and priorities. There is a requirement to be discreet in handling sensitive and confidential information, as well as organized, thorough, and conscientious to ensure high quality work. The work has department-wide impact and involves coordination with internal and external stakeholders in managing responsibilities and projects of department–wide scope. This position provides additional support as required and includes the following broad range of accountabilities :

Administrative Support & Office Coordination

• Extensive knowledge of the functions, purposes and programs of SIIT to answer and direct routine inquires and promptly respond to inquiries as required
• Provide professional administrative assistance to your direct supervisor and to employees in your department in order to support the accomplishment of business activities
• Coordinate all logistics of meeting requests including booking rooms, set up and take down of technology requirements, catering and refreshment requirements; as well as travel and accommodation requirements as required
• Provide administrative support for department meetings, committees, and or working groups as assigned, including preparation for technical support; preparation of agenda, minute taking and minute distribution
• Process faculty and administration expenses, as well as attendance forms for signature, filing and distributing where appropriate or as assigned
• Handle and process documents with confidentiality and compliance while exercising best practice with administrative procedures : records management, records destruction and file maintenance - physical and electronic as well as the retention and destruction of documents
• Maintain the filing systems of the department and supervisor
• Manage and maintain inventory of assets within the department
• Carry out quality control of data entry
• Purchase order coordination : distribution to vendors, creation of purchase orders, appropriate coding, and ensuring established procedures are followed
• Purchase and maintain adequate supply levels as required in department
• Create and maintain efficient and detailed electronic and paper file management processes
• Provide support and back-up coverage to departments and other Administrative Assistants during periods of high workload, absences, as requested, and as approved by their immediate Supervisor
• Provide back up to front desk reception, while operating a multiline switchboard and transferring calls where appropriate, taking messages as required, as approved by immediate Supervisor
• Maintain regular communication with other SIIT Administration to ensure consistency in communications, SIIT practices and procedures

Special Projects

Required Qualifications and Experience : Successful completion of a business certificate or diploma, combined with at least two years of relevant administrative office experience. Good understanding of administrative processes and procedures coupled with a proven proficiency with a variety of software programs in the Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel, Word and Access) and other data management software; a minimum typing speed of 60 wpm is required. Must be prompt, reliable, and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, coupled with a high-level confidentiality. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge of First Nations cultures and organizations would be an asset.

Required Competencies : Flexible & Adaptable; Effective Communication; Relationship Building; Results Oriented; Client Focus; Attention to Detail, Teamwork.

This is a full time, term position. One year term, with possibility of extension.