Summary

The Front Desk and Administrative Coordinator is expected to work closely with the Director of Operations, anticipate needs, and respond effectively to a wide range of situations across all areas of the school. This is a full-time, year-round, non-exempt staff position reporting directly to the Director of Operations.

Description

School Overview

Inspire. Innovate. Belong.

At Dawson, we believe that exceptional education is rooted in the strength, expertise, and dedication of our community. We seek passionate and collaborative professionals who are committed to excellence, innovation, and building meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and families.

As a student-centered, college-preparatory school serving grades K–12, Dawson provides a dynamic and supportive environment in which every member of our community works to inspire students to reach their fullest potential.

The Front Desk and Administrative Coordinator provides administrative support and serves as an essential partner to the Director of Operations. This position requires exceptional professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and an understanding of the school’s programs, culture, and organizational structure.

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world

At Dawson, you will:

Shape the region’s strongest college-preparatory program through academic excellence and experiential learning.
Collaborate with talented colleagues in a supportive and respectful environment.
Engage in meaningful professional development to refine your craft and advance your career.
Challenge and support students in a learning community that values curiosity, resilience, and purpose.
Be part of a school that recognizes and invests in the well-being of its educators through competitive compensation and benefits, along with a culture that nurtures both personal and professional fulfillment.

What You’ll Love About Us

Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer contribution.
Healthcare: medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA/FSA options, plus free telehealth services.
Wellness: access to an employee assistance program, on-site gym, outdoor swimming pool, and certified athletic trainer. Enjoy free, chef-prepared lunches and a walkable, secure campus.
Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits: group life insurance with additional voluntary coverage options.
Time-off: flexible sick time and paid time off.
Career and Personal Development: support and encouragement for continuous learning and growth, ensuring faculty and staff remain knowledgeable, skilled, and effective in their roles.
Sustainability: free parking with access to EV charging stations and ECO Pass for RTD.
Strong Faculty/Staff Culture and Sense of Belonging: welcoming, positive, supportive, and engaged colleagues.

Position Overview

Dawson School is seeking a Front Desk & Administrative Coordinator to join our dynamic team.

The Front Desk & Administrative Coordinator serves as a welcoming and professional first point of contact for students, families, faculty, staff, visitors, and vendors. The position is responsible for managing front desk and campus access procedures, providing exceptional customer service, answering and directing calls, supporting student and family needs, managing mail and deliveries, and providing general administrative and clerical support to school leadership and departments.

This position interacts regularly with members of the Dawson community, both in person and by phone, and plays an important role in facilitating communication, coordination, and relationship-building across the school. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, service-minded, collaborative, organized, and committed to supporting a positive and welcoming school environment.

Dawson School is a growing and passionate educational community dedicated to the healthy development and education of all its students. We seek a colleague who embodies Dawson’s commitment to excellence, community, and lifelong learning.

Key Responsibilities

Front Desk, Reception & Campus Access

Serve as the welcoming first point of contact for students, families, employees, visitors, vendors, and other members of the school community.
Greet and assist visitors in a warm, professional, and service-oriented manner.
Monitor the front entrance and follow established visitor, campus access, security, and safety procedures.
Issue visitor badges and maintain accurate visitor sign-in/sign-out records.
Answer and direct incoming calls during regular front desk hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; summer hours may vary.
Monitor and respond to the school’s general voicemail.
Provide routine information to callers and visitors, including directions to the school, transportation/busing information, and information about athletic events and other school activities.
Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming reception area..

Administrative & Clerical Support

Manage daily incoming and outgoing mail, including sorting and distributing mail to staff mailboxes.
Operate and maintain the postage meter and postage machine, including adding postage as needed and metering outgoing mail.
Receive, sort, and distribute packages and deliveries from vendors such as FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and other carriers.

Provide administrative and project support to the Director of Operations.
Assist the Innovation Center team with administrative projects and other needs as requested.
Support the Business Office with administrative tasks, including maintaining Certificates of Insurance, W-9s, and contract files; entering purchase orders in Sage Intacct; ordering supplies; processing Business and Development Office mail; and logging checks received.

Professional Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or training preferred.
Minimum of three years of administrative, reception, customer service, or office experience; experience in a school or educational setting preferred.
High proficiency with Google Workspace and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a Mac-based environment.
Strong overall organizational, technical, and administrative skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong proofreading, editing, and correspondence skills.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and remain effective amid frequent interruptions.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, anticipate needs, take initiative, and solve problems resourcefully.
Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse range of personalities and constituencies, including students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, the Board of Trustees, and the broader school community.
Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and a collaborative approach to working with others.
Comfortable working with students of varying ages.
Commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive school environment.

Personal Qualifications

Warm, approachable, and service-oriented, with a genuine interest in supporting students, families, and colleagues.
Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, discretion, and a strong work ethic.
Brings a positive attitude and sense of humor to the workplace and contributes to a collaborative and engaged community.
Demonstrates strong analytical thinking, sound judgment, and effective problem-solving skills.
Able to balance competing priorities while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and composure under pressure.
Adaptable and resourceful, with the ability to anticipate needs and respond thoughtfully to changing circumstances.
Passionate about supporting an educational environment that fosters lifelong learning, personal growth, and a thriving school community.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to Dawson School’s mission, values, and community.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods while performing front desk and administrative duties.
Ability to move throughout the school campus as needed to support students, staff, visitors, events, and administrative operations.
Ability to frequently communicate in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication with students, families, employees, visitors, and vendors.
Ability to receive, review, and process written and electronic information, including correspondence, records, forms, and computer-based information.
Ability to use standard office equipment and technology, including computers, telephones, printers, scanners, copiers, postage equipment, and other office systems.
Ability to regularly bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and retrieve or organize materials and supplies as needed.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull routine office materials, mail, packages, and supplies weighing up to approximately 25 pounds.
Ability to work effectively in a busy school environment with frequent interruptions, changing priorities, and regular interaction with students, families, employees, and the public.
Ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and respond appropriately during routine and emergency situations, including following established school safety and emergency procedures.
Work may occasionally require extended periods of standing, walking, or increased activity during school events, emergencies, or other special circumstances.
The position requires regular, reliable, and punctual attendance and the ability to work the established schedule, including the regular front desk hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., with occasional variations as required by school activities or operational needs.
The work environment is primarily an indoor office setting but may include exposure to typical school-related conditions, including noise, frequent activity, and interaction with individuals of varying ages.

Job Opening: September 9, 2026

Salary range: $20.00 to $25.00 per hour. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Employment Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Year-round

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through the Dawson School website at www.dawsonschool.org.

Click on ABOUT at the top of the homepage.
Select Careers.
Scroll to the bottom of the page under Our Current Job Openings and select the Front Desk and Administrative Coordinator posting.

Please note that only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls, please.

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues – respect, compassion, courage, and integrity – into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.

Applicant Acknowledgment and Certification

By submitting my application, I acknowledge and certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the employer to verify any information it deems relevant to my employment application, including my employment history, educational background, credit history, and record of criminal convictions.

I understand that my former employers, educational institutions, and personal references may release information about me in response to inquiries from the employer. I further understand that any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and the successful completion of a criminal history check.

I acknowledge that providing false, misleading, or incomplete information, or omitting material facts in my application or during the interview process, may result in denial of employment or termination if already employed.

I also understand that I must provide unexpired documentation establishing my legal authorization to work in the United States within three business days of my employment start date.

If employed, I understand that my employment will be on an at-will basis, meaning it is not guaranteed for any specific duration and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal consideration to all applicants and employees based solely on job-related qualifications, in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.