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What is a Senior Administrative Assistant?

G. Melanson
G. Melanson

A senior administrative assistant is an administrative professional who assists one or more management members within an organization and may also supervise entry level administrative staff. As organizations grow, they can see an increase in their volume of administrative tasks, and require more than just one administrative professional. A senior role is typically required in such an organization to work closely with management and take on administrative functions that carry a higher level of responsibility than those of entry level staff.

Executives or managers of an organization often require a senior administrative assistant or executive assistant to act as their “gatekeeper” or representative. Whereas an organization’s receptionist or front desk clerk might greet incoming callers and visitors, a senior administrator is often the next point of contact for those who wish to contact management. These individuals often manage schedules, travel itineraries and other appointments for managers in a variety of departments, be they marketing, IT, or human resources.

Administrative assistants are responsible for setting up appointments.
Administrative assistants are responsible for setting up appointments.

Because they tend to represent an organization’s management in both written and verbal correspondence, the most important qualification for people in this position is that they have good communication skills. In this capacity, their responsibilities might include drafting letters and emails, fielding phone calls, and taking shorthand. A senior administrative assistant should also have a general working knowledge of all departments within an organization. This will prepare him or her to handle general inquiries he or she might receive, or direct them to the appropriate department personnel.

A senior administrative assistant may be responsible for organizing schedules and travel.
A senior administrative assistant may be responsible for organizing schedules and travel.

In order to become a senior administrative assistant, one should have combined experience in both general office administration as well as the organization’s particular industry. In this sense, ideal candidates are often entry-level administrative professionals already employed within the organization who are seeking a promotion. Depending on the values of the organization, some senior roles might place a high emphasis on academic credentials, while others might be more interested in the candidate’s professional administrative background. Candidates who lack professional administrative experience but have academic experience in related areas, such as typing or secretarial courses, might be better suited for entry-level administrative employment prior to applying for a senior position.

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Discussion Comments

surfNturf

Subway11-I know someone that did just that. I know that some people that have an administrative assistant job may prefer to continue in office administration and perhaps seek senior administrative assistant jobs instead.

A senior administrative assistant salary can range from $45,000 and up depending on the size of the company. Most that work as an admin assistant earn about $28,000 to $35,000 for a starting salary.

Administrative positions are the most common positions available with most companies today. Some companies even hire virtual admin assistants in which the administrative positions are on as needed contract basis.

You can also start a business offering clerical assistance to companies. Many small business need clerical support but can not afford to hire a person full time. This is a growing business that will only get better in the future.

subway11

Administrative assistant responsibilities include typing memos, filing paperwork, attending meetings and keeping track of meeting notes.

Administrative positions also include making travel arrangements for the staff and answering the phone and greeting guests as they approach the front desk.

An administrative assistant job is often an entry level position that may lead to a job as an executive assistant.

Administrative positions are also a way to start working for a company when you may have a college degree, but no experience. This position will allow you to demonstrate your work ethic and attention to detail as well as your communication skills.

Sometimes these positions may also lead to sales positions within a company.

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    • Administrative assistants are responsible for setting up appointments.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Administrative assistants are responsible for setting up appointments.
    • A senior administrative assistant may be responsible for organizing schedules and travel.
      By: nyul
      A senior administrative assistant may be responsible for organizing schedules and travel.
    • Executives often require a senior administrative assistant to act as their “gatekeeper” or representative.
      By: michaeljung
      Executives often require a senior administrative assistant to act as their “gatekeeper” or representative.
    • A senior administrative assistant may be responsible for assisting specific management members.
      By: Rido
      A senior administrative assistant may be responsible for assisting specific management members.