In general, an administrative coordinator manages and supports the offices of a business or organization. The main job duties typically include providing comprehensive administrative support, supervising support staff, and helping to manage the budget. These tasks are well-suited for a person who is self-motivated, meticulous, and practical.
Primary Duties
The main role for an administrative coordinator is acting as a liaison between departments, outside vendors, and staff members. In order to function effectively, most organizations have a complex hierarchy of individuals and specialists who must work together to get things done. Administrative coordinators typically organize, supervise, and facilitate this workflow. They may also be called on to learn the technical details and inner workings of an organization in order to provide specialized support.
For example, if a faculty member at a university needs reimbursement for travel expenses, the coordinator may need to work with several other departments to secure the funds. He or she may work with the travel office, accounting department, faculty support staff, or others to process the necessary information for the faculty member. An administrative coordinator with specialized knowledge about university reimbursement protocol can usually better serve the faculty member than other school employees.
Managing Staff
The administrative coordinator of a large organization usually manages the support staff. These staff members typically include non-supervisory employees in the department who provide clerical, secretarial, or financial services. Most coordinators are also in charge of hiring new employees, evaluating or reprimanding current employees, and setting work assignments.
Support Duties
An administrative coordinator may have to perform basic clerical duties, especially if the organization he or she works for is small. He or she may be involved in maintaining databases, creating reports, writing letters, and working on other general support activities. Coordinators are frequently in charge of maintaining the office, including purchasing supplies, working with facilities management, and securing maintenance for equipment.
Budgeting
Another important task for an administrative coordinator is to help prepare and implement the organization's budget. Most coordinators are typically involved to some degree in the financial management of their company. They are often involved in monitoring how money is spent, helping to control costs, approving expenses, and writing financial reports.
Becoming an Administrative Coordinator
The main qualification for an administrative coordinator is prior work experience, with many organizations requiring an equivalent of seven years in administrative support. Many coordinators previously held positions as office or administrative managers, administrative assistants, or as customer service representatives. In addition to experience, many of these positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED). Some organizations may require a bachelor's or even a graduate-level college degree.