Principal's Secretary

About the Organization Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is a leading public school system in Maryland. It offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Description Under the supervision of the Principal, the Principal’s Secretary (Elementary/Middle School) focuses on ensuring the operational efficiency of the school’s main office and acts as a confidential assistant to the Principal, Assistant Principal, and other members of the management staff. The role is the first point of contact for the school, fostering a welcoming and professional environment while maintaining the integrity and security of sensitive student information and overseeing financial activities including bookkeeping and payroll. Minimum Qualifications Education: High school diploma or equivalent (must scan and upload during application). Foreign credentials must be evaluated as an U.S. high school diploma or higher by an MSDE‑approved organization. Experience: Three years of general administrative support or clerical experience, one year of which must involve accounting or bookkeeping records; an associate degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college can substitute up to two years of experience; six semester hours of accounting or bookkeeping can substitute one year of bookkeeping experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience overseeing daily office operations, including training of administrative staff. Administrative support/clerical experience in a PreK‑12 setting. Experience with word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs. Essential Position Responsibilities Administrative Support & Customer Service Maintains Principals calendars, schedules appointments and meetings. Plans, organizes and coordinates school activities and communications. Acts as the primary contact for students, parents, and staff. Resolves administrative inquiries to maintain a positive school environment. Answers telephone communications and voicemail messages. Leads daily office staffing, providing training and technical guidance. Ensures compliance with district procedures and assists school leadership in staff performance evaluation preparation. Performs general secretarial tasks such as producing letters, data reports, photocopying, filing, and mail distribution. Independently drafts, formats, and distributes official school correspondence and messaging. Financial Oversight & Bookkeeping Maintains financial activities of school-based bookkeeping and records, including payroll and banking transactions. Oversees secure collection and accounting for monies in conjunction with school activities. Ensures all monies are secured, documented, and processed in strict accordance with established district procedures and auditing standards. Student Records Management & Compliance Prepares and maintains a wide range of reports, records, and files regarding student data, personnel, and school operations. Ensures the highest level of integrity and security for all sensitive and confidential information. Substitute Coverage Coordinates substitute teacher and staff coverage by managing requests, assigning substitutes, communicating schedules, and ensuring adequate coverage to support daily school operations. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of district-wide operational procedures, school board policies, and student/personnel record‑keeping legalities. Knowledge of school‑based accounting, bookkeeping principles, and state/district mandates for public funds. Familiarity with labor contracts, district protocols regarding substitute teacher procurement, and staff performance evaluation frameworks. Mastery of specialized school software (e.g., payroll systems, substitute management systems, Student Information Systems). Expert-level calendaring skills with the ability to manage complex schedules and prioritize high‑stakes meetings. Financial oversight skills including banking transaction processing, payroll management, and auditing for zero‑margin error. Leadership & mentorship skills to provide technical guidance and workflow training to office staff. Professional composition skills for drafting official messaging that represents the school’s voice with clarity and diplomacy. Logistical problem‑solving skills for managing staff absences and substitute assignments. Discretion in handling sensitive personnel files, financial audits, and confidential student data. Emotional intelligence to remain calm and professional in interactions with parents, staff, and students in crisis. Systems thinking to view school operations holistically and identify workflow efficiencies. Multitasking under pressure to manage high-volume clerical tasks while handling front‑office environment and phone communications. Additional Requirements Working day: 8.5 hours, including a 30‑minute unpaid duty‑free lunch period. Selection Criteria Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have the experience and education that best match the position’s needs. Employment Information This is a 12‑month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA‑ESP) employee unit. The current salary range is Grade X on the Secretaries and Assistants salary scale, with step placement per the system’s salary procedures. Overtime is not exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees are automatically enrolled in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan with a 7% contribution, and additional benefits such as paid time off are detailed in the unit agreement. Pre‑Employment Requirements Professional references are reviewed before an offer. All employees are fingerprinted, undergo a criminal background investigation, and complete the Maryland Employment History Review. Some positions require a physical examination and/or drug testing. Identification and documentation of U.S. employment eligibility are required; HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not sponsor visas. Equal Opportunity Employer To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All employment decisions are based on job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to any protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Howard County Public School System