Student Life Administrative Assistant

Student Life Administrative Assistant

Principia is looking for a Student Life Administrative Assistant. In this role, you will greet students, parents, and visitors, manage attendance, ensure adherence to school guidelines, and handle lost and found. Reporting to the Upper School Principal, you will play a critical role in assisting with the daily needs of student life.

At our award-winning pre-K12 school in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to educationblending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia's team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of Alumni & Friends.

At Principia School, our core value is LOVE. Love and its attributes underpin our foundational beliefs as well as our educational approach. We focus on developing the whole childintellectually, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, preparing students for the next steps in life. We foster a challenging yet supportive environment where character unfolds naturally, and talent is cultivated through boundless opportunities. Character education plays an essential role in every aspect of the student experience, and classroom work is augmented by character trips, leadership development, and real-world, hands-on, project-based learning.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow's leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Presides over the attendance system, maintains accurate attendance records, and manages policies to ensure compliance and accuracy; communicates attendance information that impacts faculty, such as early release and field trips; tracks and reports infringements of school guidelines, and shares attendance reports with the Principal
• Manages the student cell phone process by overseeing morning collection in accordance with school policy, maintaining a secure and organized tracking system throughout the day, monitoring compliance and addressing missing submissions, and coordinating an efficient return at dismissal
• Coordinates information exchange within the school and student body, including student schedule updates, digital and bulletin announcement boards, and School Portal messages
• Serves as a receptionist in an active Upper School environment, greeting and directing students and visitors, and registering guests with Raptor's Visitor Management System
• Maintains appropriate order and decorum in the Upper School lobby and adjacent areas, as well as student-facing rooms, such as the Senior Room and the Student Work Room
• Manages lost and found items
• Student Employment Program: trains student-job supervisors on the student-employment process; guides students in finding job placement; facilitates legal documents related to the employment process; collaborates with HR
• Student Driver Program: collaborates with Home Department regarding policy for student driver approval; maintains record of approved drivers; consults with Principal as needed.
• Supervises and interacts with students and monitors student dress regulations
• Supports student social activities as planned by the Grade Level Guardians (GLGs), Heads of Houses, and student clubs
• Serves as the first point of contact for student health needs by assessing concerns and directing students to the appropriate care provider, including the Christian Science Nurse or School Medical Nurse
• Works closely with other administrative team members on projects and assists in the planning and scheduling of key events such as Family Weekend, Back to School Night, Cum Laude, Awards, and Graduation Ceremonies, which may include collaboration with Sage Dining, Principia Parents' Association (PPA), Upper School Academic office, and Head of School office
• Distributes locker assignments and manages end-of-year locker cleanout

Core Competencies

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals.
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results.
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment.
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect.

Minimum Qualifications

• Student of Christian Science preferred
• Supportive of Principia's guiding statements as articulated here
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience with, understanding of, and good rapport with high school-aged teenagers
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong work ethic coupled with excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Works well with other colleagues and develops team-building skills
• Able to manage and complete multiple tasks
• Word processing, spreadsheet, and database skills using Google-based platforms, Microsoft Office, and other tracking systems
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality
• Demonstrates joy, grace, and kindness
• Willingness to turn readily to God for guidance

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary range for this position: $19.20 - $23.04 hourly, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:

• Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).
• Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 miles
• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principiaas an institution with a religious missiongives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.