Conference Services Assistant (CSA)

Application Period for All Candidates: Jan 10 - Feb 10

Position Summary

  • CSAs are part of the larger 25-person team for Guest & Housing Operations Summer Conference Housing staff. Typically, there are 12-14 Conference Service Assistants (CSA) on Summerstaff.
  • CSAs:
    • Are focused on completing the daily responsibilities to serve conference guest needs as well as prepare materials for upcoming conference arrivals.
    • Provide positive customer service through direct communication with conference guests and frequently respond to guest needs either over the phone or in person, with an emphasis placed interpersonal communication skills.
    • Require a high degree of flexibility as daily tasks and duties are determined by conference needs and vary daily.
    • Are supervised by the Manager and Program Coordinator of Guest & Housing Operations and may also work with other University Residences Staff.

On this page

Primary Responsibilities

Provide Conference On-Site Preparation and Assist with Daily Operations

  • Complete tasks to ensure conference readiness such as prepare keys for guests, guest paperwork, preform room/building inspections, and enter data into management software.
  • Facilitate check-ins and check-outs of conference guests with professional customer service and communication that meets a diverse range of conference guests.
  • Complete tasks with a physical component of lifting & carrying, such as delivering conference items to various buildings on campus, setting up directional sandwich boards, and transporting inventory to and from storage areas.
  • Facilitate accurate key management and maintenance of all residential keys.
  • Identify and report building and safety issues.
  • Create and maintain signs and bulletin boards for all buildings.
  • Help maintain a clean and organized work environment (office, front desks, space required for tasks completion).
  • Assist guests in getting connected to Wi-Fi

Participate in Overnight, Dining Hall & Immediate Response Rotation

  • Participate in a rotating on-call system serving as the first responder to problem solve the conference guest needs. Rotations include:
    • Overnight Duty (9p – 9am): Spend the night in an assigned residence hall, perform nightly security checks, serve as staff visibility in the community, and respond to conference guest needs.
    • Dining Hall Duty (2-3 hours around each meal time): Monitoring dining room during meals to provide general oversight of dining room rules and space management during high volume meals
    • Day Duty (9am – 9pm): Available to respond to guest or conference needs and transport guest housing inventory across campus, may also work at front desk providing break coverage.

Demonstrate Strong Communication, Teamwork and Cross-Cultural Awareness

  • Consistently work collaboratively in small groups to accomplish daily assigned tasks.
  • Attend, engage, and participate in daily staff meetings.
  • Build working relationships with other Summerstaff members through positive and constructive communication.
  • Deliver timely communication and follow-up with peers, guests and supervisor.
  • Employ varied communication methods to meet a diverse range of conference guests.
  • Engage in professional interactions with diverse guests, peers and WWU staff that are culturally aware and inclusive of all identities.

Required Qualifications

 

  1. Be currently enrolled at WWU or be officially admitted for Winter 2020.
  2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
    • Fairhaven College student candidates must be in good academic standing with Fairhaven College Administration.
    • Winter 2020 transfer student candidates must provide a transcript from their previous institution. Please contact Guest Housing for more information at 360-650-3537.
  3. Not be on disciplinary probation or in deferred-eviction/eviction status.
  4. Not be on performance probation if employed elsewhere on campus.
  5. Experience working collaboratively on a team or in groups.
  6. Experience with customer service or related service.
  7. Ability to adapt and be flexible to frequent requests or changing needs.
  8. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to and with a diverse range of people.
  9. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  10. Ability to lift or carry up to 20 lbs. and sit or stand for long periods, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  11. Successfully pass background and criminal conviction check upon hiring.
    • University Residences Guest Housing Program is committed to the welfare and safety of children. All applicants may be asked to provide references that would be checked and consent to a criminal -background check. All selected individuals will be expected to comply with the University's policies, procedures and conduct expectations for child-related programs.

Desirable Attributes and Skillsets

  • Experience with completing tasks that require a high level of attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in small teams, self-organize, and manage time effectively.
  • High familiarity with WWU departments/offices, resources and buildings around campus.
  • Ability to grasp and apply new concepts quickly and efficiently.

Selection Timeline

To fully understand the position and its compensation, new candidates are strongly encouraged to attend an information session prior to submitting your application.

  1. The application you submit online will be reviewed to assess how closely you match the required qualifications.
  2. If your application meets our criteria, you will be notified via email to choose an interview time.
  3. After interviews, if you are selected for a position on staff, you will be notified via email.

Application Opens for All Candidates | January 10 

Application Closes | February 10, 2020 at 11:50 p.m.

Interviews Offered | February 12 

Candidate Interviews | February 18 - February 23

Job Offers Sent to All Selected Finalists | February 25

Offer Decisions Due From Selected Finalists | March 3

Conference Staff Move In | June 14 

Conference Staff Training | June 15 - 19

Terms of Employment

  1. Be willing to meet on-campus housing (based on position) and work hour requirement for the duration of the term of contract dates: June 14, 2020- August 23, 2020.
  2. Work an average of 40 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and breaks.
  3. Receive a compensation package including housing, meal plan, and $1,300 monthly stipend (4.5 pay periods during the contract). Housing accommodations consist of your own room in a residence hall suite shared with other conference staff.
  4. Move in to assigned residence hall on June 14, 2020 and begin seven days of mandatory training.
  5. Obtain supervisory approval to enroll in any summer classes. No more than 5 credits.
  6. Refrain from any curricular or extra-curricular activities that may require significant time commitments. Must obtain supervisory approval, especially to participate in reoccurring activities.
  7. Fulfill position requirements as described in this job description, the position contract, position expectations and as assigned.

About Us

University Residences will host over 8,000 camp and conference guests in our buildings during the summer. They will range from 0 to 90 years of age and will arrive from all over the world. They come to Western to attend regional, national, and international conferences and training workshops, as well as youth academic and sport camps. In order to best serve these guests, we hire students to serve as Conference Service Assistants, Desk Managers and Conference Housing Assistant Coordinators. These positions work to accommodate guest needs and requests while providing a high level of customer service. Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Guest & Housing Operations, summer student staff are expected to provide a housing experience that is safe and secure while maximizing the living and learning experience for all individuals.

Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action

Western Washington University does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information. Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity & Employment Diversity, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office, WWU, Old Main 345, MS 9021, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-650-3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); eoo@wwu.edu.