Receptionist / Administrative Assistant

Founded in 1954, McLean School is an independent K–12 school dedicated to helping bright college bound students realize their full potential through an educational program grounded in the School’s mission and the Abilities Model®. Serving approximately 500 students across two campuses in Potomac, Maryland, McLean fosters a warm, inclusive, and student-centered community where relationships are at the heart of learning.

McLean School seeks a welcoming, organized, and detail-oriented Receptionist / Administrative Assistant to serve as the first point of contact for students, families, faculty, staff, and visitors. This highly visible position plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth daily functioning of the School while helping to create a warm, supportive, and professional environment for all members of the community.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess excellent customer service and communication skills, and demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism, flexibility, and care. This position reports to the Associate Head of School and Chief Financial Officer.

Position Details

This is a full-time, 12-month position based on McLean School’s Lochinver Lane Campus in Potomac, Maryland. The normal operating hours are 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support school events and activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reception and Front Desk Operations

• Serve as the first point of contact for students, families, visitors, and vendors, greeting all guests warmly and professionally
• Answer and direct calls received through the School’s main phone line
• Manage entry into the building including visitor check-in procedures utilizing the School’s visitor management software
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and professional front office environment

Student Attendance and Transportation Coordination

• Assist in tracking and maintaining accurate student attendance records
• Manage student transportation and dismissal plans through SchoolPass, the School’s transportation management database
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and parents to ensure dismissal and transportation information is current and accurate
• Monitor school bus arrivals and departures and serve as a liaison between the School and transportation providers when issues arise

Administrative and Operational Support

• Support the School’s Admission efforts by maintaining and updating information within HubSpot, the School’s marketing and communication platform
• Assist the Admission, Information Technology, Business, and Development Offices with projects, mailings, events, and special initiatives
• Assist with the coordination and logistical support of school events and activities
• Maintain emergency action documentation and fire drill records
• Provide general administrative support as needed

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, exceptional organizational abilities, and a demonstrated commitment to customer service. This individual must be able to remain calm and professional during busy periods of the day while managing multiple responsibilities with close attention to detail.

Required Qualifications

• A genuine love of working with children and supporting a school community
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a customer service, reception, administrative assistant, or office support role demonstrating success in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to multitask effectively and work independently
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• A welcoming and professional demeanor with the ability to work effectively with all constituency groups, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and visitors
• Proficiency with Apple products and Google Workspace applications, including Google Docs and Google Sheets
• Experience working with databases and online management systems
• Ability to quickly learn and navigate multiple technology platforms and databases

• Familiarity with SchoolPass, HubSpot, Blackbaud, or similar systems preferred

Professional Characteristics

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate warmth, professionalism, patience, and discretion
• Remain calm, flexible, and solution-oriented in a busy school environment
• Exhibit sound judgment and strong interpersonal skills
• Be dependable, proactive, collaborative, and highly organized
• Possess a strong commitment to customer service and community engagement
• Contribute positively to a welcoming and inclusive school culture

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $55,000–$75,000 annually, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and skills.

About McLean School

McLean School values relationships, collaboration, and a student-centered approach that supports both academic and social-emotional growth. The School is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, families, faculty, and staff.

Equal Opportunity Statement

McLean School is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment practices, financial aid programs, athletics, or other school-administered programs.