Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm School Secretary (10-month position) to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The School Secretary works 7 hours per day for 10 months of the year.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Principal and Supervising Administrator, the School Secretary will perform secretarial/clerical work to ensure the efficient operations of departments/front office.

Essential Functions and Duties of the Position:  The essential functions and duties listed below are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assists with recording student attendance in the student information management system
• Documents and corrects absences, late arrivals, dismissals, and other related attendance issues
• Monitors and tracks student attendance
• Generates attendance reports as required
• Assists with student registration and transfers
• Assists teachers with homeroom folders and other administrative functions
• Maintains discipline log and detention report
• Processes student discipline letters, including typing, filing, and mailing of letters
• Oversees work of student volunteers and provides instruction for various work tasks
• Performs secretarial work for school principals and assigned administrators
• Drafts correspondence and documents
• Performs routine tasks such as filing, faxing, copying, and data entry
• Manages, sorts, and distributes mail
• Assists with the scheduling, management, distribution, collection, and processing of standardized testing 
• Answers phones and responds to questions from parents, students, and other district personnel
• Greets visitors and responds to questions and concerns
• Meets deadlines 

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle difficult situations with sensitivity and tact
• Experience and knowledge in a customer service environment
• Knowledge of school office environments
• Knowledge and experience with school office technology and equipment
• Skill in written and oral communications
• Ability to calmly and professionally interact with students, parents, teachers, co-workers, and visitors in a dynamic environment
• Ability to organize, prioritize work responsibilities, and use time efficiently
• Skill in tracking and recording student attendance data

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required:

Education and Experience:

This position requires a High School Diploma or GED and one year of secretarial experience. Experience in a school office environment is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment, including a computer, basic office equipment, adding machine, telephone, etc. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Must be able to lift/carry weights.

Application and Selection Procedure:
Please apply online. Applications will be considered only when a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation have been attached to your online application. All resumes will be screened, and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Please review the Unit D Contract and this page to learn about employee compensation and benefits. 

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.