📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Assistant
🔹 Company: University of Central Oklahoma
🔹 Location: Edmond, Oklahoma
🔹 Job Type: Part-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: July 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Administrative support for the Division of Communications and Public Affairs
- Managing open records requests and brand review requests
- Reception duties and phone handling
- Mail processing and inventory management
- Assistance with the UCO mascot program and event planning
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience in a higher education setting is preferred but not required.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage open records requests and brand review requests
✅ Greet and screen guests in the reception area
✅ Answer and screen phone calls to the main office
✅ Process incoming and outgoing mail
✅ Respond to routine requests for information
✅ Manage office supply orders and university promotional item inventory
✅ Assist with scheduling and other duties for the UCO mascot program
✅ Scan and clip relevant news articles and maintain media distribution list
✅ May assist with copy editing, distributing news releases, event planning, managing calendars and appointments, and other division activities
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve handling sensitive, complex, and confidential information, requiring discretion and professionalism.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: No specific experience required
Required Skills:
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
- Strong attention to detail
Preferred Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
- Experience in a higher education environment
ASSUMPTION: While a related degree is preferred, the university is open to candidates with equivalent experience or those currently pursuing a related degree.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $15.27 - $15.27 hourly
Benefits:
- Part-time employee benefits package
Working Hours: Up to 25 hours per week, arranged with the supervisor upon hiring
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the university's pay scale for part-time, hourly employees. Benefits for part-time employees may vary and are subject to the university's policies.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 2-10 employees
Founded: The University of Central Oklahoma was founded in 1906
Company Description:
- Educates and empowers students and alumni to engage in meaningful lifelong career development
- Cultivates a campus culture where career development is embraced and prioritized
- Recognized for innovation and creativity in career development services
Company Specialties:
- Career coaching
- Resume critiques
- Self-assessments
- Mock interviews
- Grad school application assistance
- Professional service
Company Website: http://www.careers.uco.edu
ASSUMPTION: The University of Central Oklahoma Career Development Center focuses on providing comprehensive career services to students and alumni, helping them achieve their professional goals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level, administrative support
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Business Manager of the Division of Communications and Public Affairs
Work Arrangement: Part-time, on-site, up to 25 hours per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for full-time employment or advancement within the division
- Opportunity to gain experience in higher education administration
- Possibility to learn and develop skills in communications, public relations, and event planning
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university's communications and public affairs division.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, university campus
Office Location(s): Main Campus - Edmond, OK
Geographic Context:
- Edmond is a suburb of Oklahoma City, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- Close proximity to various amenities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Easy access to major highways and public transportation
Work Schedule: Hours will be arranged with the supervisor upon hiring, up to 25 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on providing excellent customer service and support to the university's communications and public affairs division.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Background check and reference check
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
- Customer service orientation
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your qualifications match the required skills
- Be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility with scheduling
ATS Keywords: Administrative support, open records requests, brand management, reception, phone handling, mail processing, inventory management, event planning, higher education
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary, and the university reserves the right to modify or adjust the process as needed.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Ellucian, Salesforce)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the division's needs and the university's available resources.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and creativity
- Community impact
- Relationship building through collaboration
- Professional and welcoming environment
- Encouraging lifelong career development
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Customer service-oriented
- Team-focused and collaborative
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I possess strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment?
- Am I comfortable handling sensitive and confidential information with discretion?
- Do I have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders?
- Am I adaptable and flexible, able to adjust my work schedule as needed?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Central Oklahoma values a diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and development.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously
- Working with sensitive and confidential information
- Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Potential exposure to various university stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a customer service-oriented mindset.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Assistant vs. Administrative Assistant: Both roles involve administrative support, but the Communications Assistant focuses more on communications and public affairs-related tasks
- Industry-specific context: Higher education communications roles may differ from those in other industries due to the unique needs and stakeholders of universities
- Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to careers in communications, public relations, event planning, or higher education administration
ASSUMPTION: While there may be similarities between this role and other administrative positions, the unique context of higher education communications sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing open records requests for a high-profile university event
- Coordinating a university-wide brand review and signage update
- Assisting with the planning and execution of a major university event, including logistics, vendor management, and on-site support
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and dynamic nature of the Communications Assistant role within the university's communications and public affairs division.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does this role fit into the overall structure and goals of the Division of Communications and Public Affairs?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the division and the university as a whole?
- How does the university support work-life balance for part-time employees?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the hiring manager?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Include a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your qualifications match the required skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching the university and the Division of Communications and Public Affairs
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
