Position Summary

The Philosophy Department Student Office Assistant provides essential administrative, event, and communication support to ensure smooth daily operations. This role serves as the first point of contact for visitors, assists with internal coordination, maintains office supplies, and supports departmental events and communications.

Front Desk & Reception (Daily)

• Greet and assist visitors, faculty, students, and staff.

• Answer inbound phone calls; route calls or take messages.

• Collect and distribute incoming mail.

• Check in with staff during each shift to inquire about tasks.

• Monitor campus events and alert staff of events in other departments of interest to undergraduates.

Department Communications

• Draft and send the 'PHIL ALL' email every Friday at 1:00 PM under the guidance of the Executive Assistant 

• Include all department-wide events, meetings, and announcements.

• Assist with light design tasks using Canva. 

• Distribute printed posters/flyers across campus.

Event & Speaker Coordination

• Support Executive Assistant with travel planning and event logistics tasks for department events. 

• Staff department events as needed. 

• Monitor department and campus event calendars.

Room & Calendar Management

• Manage department room reservations.

• Hang room reservation notices on 2271 door daily.

• Assist with department calendar coordination and updates as needed. 

Supplies & Facilities

• Monitor and restock office and event supplies from storage inventory.

• Notify staff when items need to be reordered.

• Check and refill copier and printer paper trays during every shift.

Mailroom & Library Coordination

• Check mailroom during every shift.

• Collaborate with Tanner Librarian weekly on supply needs.

Optional Tasks (Based on Interest and Skills)

•  Conduct web searches for undergraduate journals and conferences.

•  Update undergraduate sections of the department website.

•  Assist with departmental projects as needed.

Expectations

• Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and reliability.

• Communicate proactively with staff about task completion.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Demonstrate attention to detail.

• Be willing to learn new systems.

Qualifications - Required 

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Comfortable with email and basic computer tools.

• Friendly, professional demeanor.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Experience with Canva or design tools.

• Familiarity with Google Calendar or scheduling platforms.

• Interest in event support or academic administration.

• Attention to detail and initiative.

Applicants should send their resume or CV, along with a brief cover letter explaining their interest in the position to Holly Ploch at hploch@umich.edu.