Under direction, supervises and manages the operations of the school's administrative and main offices and its staff. Ensures that school office and related administrative activities are conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures, makes decisions involving office routine and procedures, performs the more difficult and complex work, and leads and trains other office staff. Provides support to the principal's administrative duties, including first-line response, correspondence, and scheduling. Incumbent is responsible for interacting with all aspects of the school community and the school system.

This position requires knowledge of all of the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS) to include commitment to students, knowledge of job, professionalism, interpersonal, communication, organization, and problem solving. Thorough knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; office management; standard records procedures; business English; and computer knowledge and proficiency to include multiple word processing, spreadsheet, and financial record systems. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, independently, and proactively; meet deadlines; maintain confidential and important operating records and prepare reports from such records; compose letters and other correspondence in response to inquiries; deal effectively and courteously with the school community; and exercise sound judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting school policies and procedures. Demonstrates commitment to students; high degree of professionalism; and excellent problem-solving, organizational, communications, and interpersonal skills with minimal supervision.

High school graduate with completion of two years of college desirable. Progressively responsible secretarial and office experience, two years of which must be at the school secretary I or equivalent level. Successful completion of the MCPS keyboarding test.  Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides support for the principal by scheduling appointments, handling telephone calls, reading and distributing incoming mail, responding to inquiries, preparing/composing  responses, and following through on administrative tasks. 
• Supervises front office staff, scheduling work, monitoring its completion and organizing coverage in emergency situations. 
• Maintains employee evaluation systems records and related documentation. 
• Manages and processes payroll and monitors leave requests and substitute teacher assignments.  Processes confidential documents, records, and evaluations. 
• Participates in school security situations, including the local school crisis plan. 
• Serves as a member of the On-site Emergency Team (OSET) by providing support to administrators or designee in charge during all types of school emergencies. 
• Manages the School Improvement Plan (SIP) allocations and participates in updating the SIP.  Handles primary responsibilities for summer workload, activities, and preparation for the opening of school. 
• Manages financial transactions. 
• Supports summer school activities, providing support for teachers, students, and parents.  Provides guidance to staff on personnel policy and procedural issues. 
• Serves as point-of-contact for parent-teacher association, partnership programs, and community groups. 
• Provides guidance and direction to students on a variety of office-related issues during the school day. 
• Participates in development and maintenance of the master calendar and related schedules.  Orients new staff to office procedures and practices. 
• Provides general and specific information and guidance to a variety of stakeholders.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Class Established: 1/70
Date(s) Revised: 4/83, 1/89, 11/89, 7/92, 8/97, 10/03
Date(s) Reviewed: 10/2007