Front Desk Coordinator/Receptionist

ABOUT LICK-WILMERDING HIGH SCHOOL:

Lick-Wilmerding High School is a private school with public purpose, serving 560 students in grades 9-12 in San Francisco. Since its founding in 1895 as a vocational school, Lick-Wilmerding High School has built upon a long tradition of valuing and integrating the liberal arts, sciences, technical arts, visual arts and performing arts to offer a robust college-prep curriculum. LWHS has a rich and distinctive academic program, with thriving departments, vibrant student life, and signature initiatives like the Center for Civic Engagement and the Public Purpose Program. Faculty and students are passionate, engaged, and grounded in our core values of belonging, craft, excellence, and optimism.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Front Office Coordinator serves as the first point of contact for students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors at Lick-Wilmerding High School. This role is responsible for managing the daily operations of the front office, including student attendance tracking, substitute teacher coordination, faculty/staff absence tracking, and school calendar management across multiple platforms. The Front Office Coordinator works closely with the Director of Facilities to ensure campus events and room reservations are accurately coordinated, and maintains strict confidentiality in all aspects of the role. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Front Office Operations

• Answer and route incoming telephone calls in a pleasant and informed manner.
• Greet all visitors warmly and professionally, ensuring compliance with school visitor policies and front desk protocols.
• Field general inquiries from students, parents, and faculty/staff.
• Sort and distribute daily mail; receive and send packages.
• Maintain and update the school's internal contact list, including email and phone extensions.
• Keep the faculty/staff lounge and teacher copy rooms clean and organized.
• Arrive punctually and be prepared for each school day.

Attendance & Substitute Coordination

• Monitor and record daily student attendance, tardiness, and anticipated absences (e.g., field trips, athletic events) via email and voicemail; enter data into the Student Information System.
• Prepare monthly reports on student tardiness.
• Track and log faculty and staff absences as reported.
• Coordinate and manage substitute teacher coverage for faculty absences, ensuring appropriate classroom supervision and minimal disruption to the academic schedule.
• Maintain records of substitute assignments and duties.

Calendar & Event Coordination

• Maintain the school’s master calendar, ensuring all events are accurately reflected and correctly appear on calendars for multiple audiences. 
• Coordinate closely with the Assistant Head of School for Academics and Director of Strategic Communications on calendar management.
• Meet weekly with the Director of Facilities to review upcoming campus events and confirm room reservations, setups, and logistics.
• Manage room reservation and scheduling systems.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the planning and execution of key school events, including New Faculty/Staff Orientation.
• Assist with on-campus interview coordination during peak hiring periods, including scheduling visit dates and managing candidate itineraries.
• Attend faculty/staff and community meetings as required.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student, family, and employee information.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in administrative support, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a front office, administrative, or similar role; experience in a school or educational setting is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of maintaining strict confidentiality, exercising sound judgment, and handling sensitive information with a high level of discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to shifting needs on a daily basis.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to anticipate needs and follow through on tasks independently.
• A genuine commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment and the interpersonal skills to connect meaningfully with students, families, and colleagues across a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
• Technology forward with proficiency in Google Workspace, student information systems, and scheduling platforms; comfort learning and adopting new tools, including AI, to improve operations and create efficiencies. Experience with Blackbaud a plus. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BRING:

• Brings a proactive, flexible, and team-oriented mindset with a genuine dedication to supporting a school community.
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a natural ability to build positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, families, and visitors.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving instincts and the ability to stay calm and resourceful when priorities shift quickly.
• Carries a deep sense of responsibility for maintaining a professional, efficient, and welcoming front office.
• Demonstrates a proactive learning stance, including the ability to identify and pursue the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the role.

TO APPLY

In addition to your application, please be prepared to upload the following as two (2) PDFs: 

1. Cover letter expressing your interest in the role
2. Resume

LWHS is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. LWHS prohibits in all its programs, including hiring and employment practices, discrimination or harassment against any member or group based upon race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical condition (including pregnancy), genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other category protected under California or federal law, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.