In general, an administrative coordinator manages the managerial office of a business or organization. His or her main job duties typically include providing comprehensive administrative support, supervising all support staff, and managing the budget. These tasks typically call for a person who is self-motivated, meticulous, and practical.

The main job task for an administrative coordinator is acting as a liaison between varied departments, outside vendors, and staff members. In order to function effectively, most organizations have a complex hierarchy of individuals and specialists that must work together in order to get things done. Administrative coordinators typically organize, supervise, and facilitate this cooperation. They may also be called upon to learn the technical details and inner workings of their organization, in order to provide specialized support.

For example, if a faculty member at a university needs a reimbursement for travel expenses, the coordinator may need to work with several other departments to secure the funds. He or she may have to 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 may be better able to serve the faculty member than another school employee.

The administrative coordinator of a large organization typically manages the support staff. These staff members generally include non-supervisory employees in the department that 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.

Administrative coordinators may often have to perform basic clerical duties, especially if the organization is small. They may be involved in maintaining databases, creating reports, writing letters, and working at other support activities. They are frequently in charge of maintaining the office, including purchasing supplies, working with facilities management, and securing maintenance for equipment.

Another important task for an administrative coordinator may be to manage the organization’s budget. Most coordinators are typically involved to some degree in the financial management of their company. This involvement may include monitoring the accounts, writing financial reports, and maintaining the budget.

The main qualification for an administrative coordinator is prior work experience, with many organizations requiring an equivalent of seven years in administrative support. 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.