School Front Desk Associate

Bridges Preparatory School; South Carolina; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridges Preparatory School seeks a professional front desk associate to be the welcoming face and first contact for students, families and staff. The role requires a friendly, organized, and vigilant approach to maintain a safe, welcoming school environment.

You will greet visitors, answer calls, manage check-in/check-out, verify emergency contacts, and support clerical tasks while upholding FERPA privacy and school policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in receptionist/administrative/customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with general office technology.
• Ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public.
• Professional appearance, positive attitude, and dependable work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist students, parents, visitors, and staff professionally.
• Answer and direct incoming calls and respond to inquiries.
• Manage visitor check-in procedures and school security.
• Receive deliveries following school procedures.
• Oversee student check-in/check-out and verify emergency contacts.
• Support administrative staff with clerical duties as assigned.
• Maintain organized records, files, and office supplies.
• Assist with communications, events, and other projects.
• Ensure confidentiality of student and staff information per FERPA policies.

Skills

Situational awareness

De-escalation

Discretion & privacy

Decisiveness under stress

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

Bridges Preparatory School is seeking a professional front desk associate who will serve as the warm face of our school and the primary gatekeeper. This position requires a friendly, organized, and vigilant front desk associate to serve as the first point of contact for students, families, staff, and visitors. The ideal candidate is customer-service oriented, detail-focused, and committed to creating a welcoming and safe school environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet and assist students, parents, visitors, and staff in a courteous and professional manner.
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls and respond to general inquiries.
• Manage visitor check-in procedures and maintain school security protocols without exception.
• Assist in the receipt of deliveries following school procedures.
• Oversee student check-in/check-out and cross verify emergency contacts for release of any child to an adult.
• Support administrative staff with clerical duties as approved through supervisor.
• Maintain organized records, files, office machines and office supplies.
• Assist with school communications, events, and other administrative projects as assigned.
• Ensure confidentiality of student and staff information in accordance with school policies.

Key Competencies

• Situational Awareness - proven ability to remain highly observant, spot unusual behavior, recognize potential safety hazards in a high traffic environment.
• De-escalation skills - experience in defusing tense, high-emotion situations.
• Discretion and Legal Compliance - Deep respect for confidentiality, data privacy and willingness to strictly follow FERPA and school regulation policies.
• Decisiveness under Stress - The ability to think clearly, follow emergency checklist, and make quick decisions during an unexpected crisis or event.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Previous receptionist, administrative, or customer service experience in a high-paced environment required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with general office technology.
• Ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public.
• Professional appearance, positive attitude, and dependable work ethic.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working in a K-12 school front desk or environment.
• Familiarity with student information systems, Power School or other student-based platforms.
• Bilingual skills are highly sought.