UFCF Administrative Support Specialist

Associate's degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 2-3 years of administrative experience, preferably including experience with human resources support and purchasing processes.

The Administrative Assistant at the Urban and Community Food Complex ( UCFC) is responsible for the administrative and operational management of the facility, ensuring seamless day-to-day functions that support research, education, and community engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

* Oversee and coordinate daily operations, serving as the main point of contact for non-technical needs within the UCFC.

* Be responsible for recruitment and onboarding for facility research staff, students, and part-time student workers.

* Manage procurement for material and supplies for the operation of the Food Processing Pilot Plant, four labs, and the Creamery.

* Communicate UCFC facility schedules, announcements, and updates to faculty, staff, and students.
* Evaluate administrative processes to optimize systems, improve operational efficiency, and provide recommendations to leadership for continuous improvement.

* Support data tracking and reporting for decision-making, budget planning, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with the goals of UCFC programs.
* Apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills to address administrative challenges and ensure timely resolution of operational issues.
* Prepare clear, professional written communications, including reports, internal memos, and stakeholder correspondence .

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master's programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America's top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor's programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master's degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master's degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as "R2-High Research Activity" in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve "R1-Very High Research Activity" status. It also holds Carnegie's earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities ( APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as "best for business" by the CNBC financial network.

The Urban and Community Food Complex ( UCFC) at North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T) is a 14,796 ft facility set for completion in June 2025. It serves as a hub for food technology innovation, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement. With a focus on urban food systems, the UCFC supports locally grown agriculture, advances research, and acts as a technology incubator. It empowers small-scale farmers, food entrepreneurs, and low-income communities by enhancing food security and economic well-being. Equipped with state-of-the-art food processing, food quality analysis, and food safety capabilities, the UCFC fosters cutting-edge R&D collaborations, bridging academia, industry, and community stakeholders.

The Administrative Assistant will provide essential administrative support to ensure the efficient daily operations of the Urban and Community Food Complex ( UCFC). Responsibilities include coordinating procurement activities, managing scheduling for meetings and events, maintaining records, and ensuring adherence to university and state policies. The Administrative Assistant will also support purchasing, communicate with vendors, and process financial transactions under the guidance of higher-level administrators.

This position will serve as the primary administrative contact for internal and external inquiries related to UCFC operations, helping to facilitate communication among faculty, staff, students, and community partners involved in research, education, and outreach programs. The role requires working knowledge of general office operations, financial documentation, personnel procedures, basic inventory and facility coordination, and utilization and reconciliation of data from different internal and external software systems.

Strong attention to detail, clear written communication, and practical problem-solving are important for this role. The Administrative Assistant should be organized, proactive, and able to handle multiple tasks in a dynamic environment, while maintaining professionalism and respecting confidentiality.

The Administrative Assistant will provide administrative support for human resources processes related to research staff, students, and part-time employees within the UCFC. Responsibilities include assisting with recruitment paperwork, onboarding coordination, timekeeping, and payroll processing in accordance with university policies. The Administrative Assistant will help maintain personnel files, track appointments and contract dates, and communicate with the university's HR office to ensure accurate and timely processing of employment-related documentation.

The Administrative Assistant will coordinate a variety of records processing activities that require the application and some interpretation of agency procedures, policies, laws, and regulations. This role requires knowledge of program guidelines, including acceptable interpretations, applications, and allowable exceptions to written policies and procedures. The position also demands familiarity with the organization's structure, functions, services, and standard office procedures and practices. The incumbent will review information for completeness and accuracy using multiple guidelines and established protocols.

The Administrative Assistant will select, understand and fully apply a variety of features in software programs, databases, information systems, and specialized equipment.

The Administrative Assistant will present ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to effectively explain and interpret programs, policies, and procedures. This role advises staff and clients on matters related to program operations and addresses non-standard situations by interpreting guidelines and providing accurate information. The Administrative Assistant also responds to inquiries, communicates expectations, and may provide formal or informal training to support staff understanding of processes, services, and operations.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;