Office Coordinator

Education and Training High school diploma, course in office practice and word processing.
Average Salary $25,320 per year
Job Outlook Good

An office coordinator is a person who performs various office duties and often works in close collaboration with executives and senior management. Rather than a specialized task, office coordinators perform routine office duties such as filing documents, preparing mails, sorting checks, keeping payroll records, taking stock of inventory, and proofreading documents. The tasks performed by an office coordinator vary, depending on the industry and type of organization. However, the core tasks performed by office coordinators involve performing office administrative activities, and storing, retrieving, and disseminating information to the office staff.
Office coordinators need to use various office equipments such as photocopiers, fax machines, scanners, telephones, and videoconferencing equipment. They also need to use computers on a routine basis. Office coordinators might also be involved in providing training and orientation for the new staff.
The tasks assigned to an office coordinator depend on their individual experience. A relatively inexperienced office coordinator might be asked to record inquiries, or simply operate photocopiers and fax machines. On the other hand, an experienced office coordinator might be asked to maintain important financial data or handle customer complaints.

Education and Training Requirements

Office coordinators do not need to be highly qualified. In most cases, the basic requirement is a high school diploma with a proficiency in computers. An added course in office practice or a previous work experience in an office environment is an added bonus.
Most offices hiring office coordinators provide them with an on-the-job training. Additional responsibilities are assigned to office coordinators as they grow in experience and acquire more work skills.

Getting the Job

Office coordinators need to be computer-proficient. Office coordinators often spend long hours sitting in front of computers, filing data, generating reports, and sending or composing emails. To perform all these tasks, it is imperative to be hands-on with basic computer functions.
To be hired as office coordinators, they need to have a basic understanding of the office functions. A prior work experience in a similar capacity is generally an asset.
Office coordinators have to interact with the office staff and therefore they need to have good interpersonal skills. They also need to be tactful as they are often required to resolve small office problems. Sound judgment, good organizational skills, and an ability to work independently are some important traits for an office coordinator.
A vocational course in office administration and some experience in typing are also recommended for office coordinators.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook and Career Development

The job prospects for office coordinators are good with an expected growth of 11% in employment for the period 2008-2018. With an increasing use of automation in offices, office coordinators will become even more productive. Various duties performed by office coordinators, such as organizing conferences, working with clients, and instructing the support staff, cannot be replaced by technology and therefore office coordinators will continue to play a vital role in organizations.
Office coordinators can advance in their careers by building up on their educational qualifications. They can then move on to higher roles, such as supervisors or managers, with additional responsibilities.

Working Conditions and Environment

Office coordinators work in a comfortable office environment. They often spend long working hours sitting in front of the computer. This might result in back aches, eye strain, and repetitive motion ailments.

Salary and Benefits

Office coordinators get an average annual salary of $25,320. An entry-level office coordinator can get anywhere between $15,000 and $20,000 annually. The benefits offered to office coordinators vary from one organization to the other. Some organizations offer flexible work hours, paid off-time for volunteer work, and performance-based bonuses.

Where to Go for More Information

The Association of Professional Office Managers
PO Box 1926
Rockville, MD 20849
(240) 654-9108
http://www.apomonline.org

International Association of Administrative Professionals
10502 NW Ambassador Dr.
Kansas City, MO 64153
(816) 891-6600
http://www.iaap-hq.org