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[artsearch]

For all the administrators out there--

I am in the running for a job I'd classify as "clerical specialist" within the dean's office of a college within a large state university. The position involves things like helping students with paperwork for graduation and verifying that requirements have been met.

The issue is that the stated salary is not a "living wage" in my area, though the ad also says salary is negotiable. My question is, generally, just how much flexibility is there in a salary for a relatively low-level position like this?

[notaprof]

Most likely not very much but you never know so do try for whatever you can get.  Much will depend on whether you merely meet the job qualifications that are required or if you exceed them in some way that could benefit the position.   If the job description included any "desired" qualifications and you have some of those, then focus on those when discussing salary.   

Perhaps look at this position as a way to get your foot in the door.  You should get good benefits, that may make it worth your while to take this job if it is offered.  In a large state system, at least around here, it can be hard to break in at a higher level sometimes because they do tend to promote from within so if you get in, even at the clerical entry level, you will have the inside track on any jobs that come up there and they do so quite often.  Good luck.

[zharkov]

I'd recommend you review Getting to Yes for pointer on negotiation.

Also, I'd guess that a state university has a salary scale of some sort, so you'll be classified as "clerk grade 23" which means you start at X dollars per week, perhaps with some discretion on bring you in at step 1 or step 2.  Or some similar bureaucratic jazz.

[artsearch]

"Much will depend on whether you merely meet the job qualifications that are required or if you exceed them in some way that could benefit the position."
***
I do have a doctorate in one of the disciplines of this college--so, if they don't consider it major overkill (even the "preferred" credential is just a bachelor's), this might be a plus. Also, they are asking for 3 years related experience, and I have 12.

I am also in line for an advising position which does pay more, but is not in my discipline. It may indeed be a better idea to get in the door at my "home" college, as this particular university does do much promoting from within.

I did locate a pay scale for both these positions on the university website, and  there is a large spread between low and high ends (university-wide, not just within the college where I have applied); in the case of the clerical job, there is a difference of $1200 a month; so, I hope I'm darn impressive at the interview!

Thanks for your ideas!

[sibyl]

You should definitely play up your years of experience, as sometimes institutions will give you credit for that.  You are not fresh out of school; you are an experienced professional and that is worth something.

You should also try to talk up the ways you will go beyond basic clerical functions -- your teaching experience will help you do this or that, etc.  You may not succeed in advancing this argument up front, but build it into future expectations and your performance review.  ("What would I need to demonstrate in order to get more money?")

The dean probably has some discretion but is also likely constrained by institutional limitations.  Encourage her or him to go as high as he or she can, and use that as a measure of how much you want to work for her or him -- but remember that there may well be a limit.