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Job Description
Under the direction of a Coordinator, Supervisor or Director of a small program, perform a wide variety of secretarial and clerical duties in support of an assigned department or function.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Secretary provides support to a Coordinator, Director or other supervisor of a small program or function. The Senior Administrative Secretary reports to a Vice President and provides a broad range of administrative support to a College Administrator. The Administrative Secretary performs duties as primary secretarial support to a Dean of a division or Director of a major program or function. Perform secretarial duties and assist the supervisor with a variety of clerical, secretarial and administrative duties; facilitate communications and coordinate activities between the supervisor, staff, public and other personnel; establish and maintain positive staff and public relations. E Review documents, records and forms for accuracy, completeness and conformance to applicable rules and regulations; compose routine correspondence independently or from oral instructions; compile data for reports as requested. E Monitor budget expenditures and transfers, and maintaining financial records as assigned; maintain current account balances as assigned. E Order and maintain office supplies and other materials. E Communicate information in person or by telephone where judgment, knowledge and interpretation of policies and regulations are necessary. E Receive, open and distribute mail; receive visitors, answer telephone calls and refer to appropriate staff members. E Type a variety of memoranda, reports and other materials. E Arrange and schedule a variety of meetings, appointments and conferences; prepare materials for meetings as assigned. E Train, assign and review the work of other employees or student assistants. E Operate a variety of office machines and equipment including a computer and related software applications, typewriter, copier, calculator and other equipment. E Maintain office files and prepare and type reports as necessary. Attend a variety of meetings and record notes as assigned. E Perform related duties as assigned. E=Essential Functions
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Operations, procedures and methods of office to which assigned; modern office practices, procedures and equipment; applicable computer software programs including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and email; record-keeping techniques and alpha and numeric filing systems; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; receptionist and telephone techniques.
Ability to:
Perform a wide variety of secretarial and clerical duties in support of an assigned department or function; assemble diverse data for the preparation of reports; maintain complex and varied files and records; type at 45 words net per minute from clear copy; interpret and apply specific rules, policies and procedures of the department or function to which assigned; operate a variety of office machines and equipment, including typewriter, computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email and other related programs, calculator, copier and other equipment; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively both orally and in writing to exchange information in person and on the telephone; meet schedules and time lines; prepare and type reports, correspondence and related materials; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch to file materials; sit or stand for extended periods of time.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and two (2) years of varied and increasingly responsible secretarial or clerical experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environment:
Office environment. Constant interruptions.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Classified Bargaining Unit Position Classified Staff Salary Range 7
Retirement System:
CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria) Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
SCHEDULE & LOCATION
This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The primary location is Palm Desert Campus, may work in other locations. The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.
REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS
To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:
Online Application:
All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
Resume:
Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
Cover Letter:
Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
College Transcripts:
For consideration of any college course work, transcripts must be provided. Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION
List of References :
References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Employment is contingent on residence in California. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only. Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position. Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted. All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense. Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.
For consideration, please apply by June 30, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on August 18, 2026. Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.
