Behind the scenes of every well-run office is the office manager. While not as glamorous as a gun-toting, door-kicking federal agent, policy adviser, or emergency responder, it's a key position that is often over looked and essential to the day-to-day operations of the government. Without the office manager, the special agent has no bullets, the policy adviser doesn't get the policy approved, and the responder doesn't have a way to contract backup support.
The position of office manager typically falls under the Administration and Program Series (GS-0301) within the government and can range from a GS-5 to a GS-15 in some cases ($35,000 - $149,000, depending on location). This series requires individuals to perform, supervise, or manage nonprofessionals, and calls for analytical ability, judgment, discretion, and knowledge of a substantial body of administrative or program principles, concepts, policies, and objectives.
The office manager's job is constantly changing and the responsibilities are broad and challenging. Office managers are responsible for planning and providing management and program services essential to the effective accomplishment of the mission of the particular organization. These responsibilities could include: (1) analyzing, evaluating and improving the efficiency of internal administrative processes, organizations, and management of the office; (2) interpreting and providing advice to others on administrative management of personnel, funds control, travel, etc. (3) planning, scheduling and coordinating case handling processes with other personnel; (4) writing performance appraisals, training staff, and recruiting support staff employees; and (5) aiding in the procurement of goods and services to support mission-critical functions.
Like many jobs, the better an office manager is, the less you hear about the position. But get a bad office manager and your job will become substantially harder, your paperwork will topple your desk, and you'll never hear the end of how disheveled the workplace is from your chatty coworkers.
Office manager positions may be found on USAJOBS.gov.