Senior Secretary – Construction & Operations Management Job at Brookings Economi

Salary—starting at $18.80 per hour, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits

Join South Dakota State University’s Department of Construction and Operations Management as a Senior Secretary and play an important role in supporting our faculty, staff, and students. We’re looking for someone who is dependable, organized, and attentive to detail to help coordinate daily operations, scheduling, communication, and events within the department. This position offers the opportunity to be part of a welcoming and collaborative academic community.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. The Department of Construction and Concrete Industry Management is one of six departments in the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, serving 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in historic Solberg Hall, the department offers degree programs in construction management, concrete industry management, engineering technology, and a non‑degree engineering track.

This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate schedules and help maintain accurate departmental records and databases.
• Oversee purchasing, invoices, and office supply orders to keep daily operations running smoothly.
• Provide friendly, reliable administrative support to faculty, staff, and students.
• Assist with creating recruitment and marketing materials and preparing reports that support department goals.
• Help plan and organize departmental meetings, events, and student visits.
• Support position searches by coordinating materials and communication.
• Maintain up-to-date website content and assist with departmental communications.
• Arrange travel and logistics for faculty, guests, and departmental visitors.

Benefits

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of

• General office practices and procedures.
• Basic budgeting, accounting, and purchasing processes.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Business English, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Modern office equipment and software applications.

Skill & Ability to

• Follow program guidelines and office procedures accurately.
• Gather and organize information and prepare simple reports.
• Keep records and files updated and accurate.
• Plan and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and professionally in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• Pay close attention to detail and complete tasks with accuracy.

Application Procedures

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug‑free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

EEO Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land‑grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.