Washington Connections Academy - Administrative Assistant, 2024-2025 School Year

School Summary:

At Connections Academy, helping students maximize their potential and meet the highest performance standards through a uniquely individualized learning program is at the core of our mission. Connections Academy was founded in 2001 to deliver high-quality, highly accountable online education to students in grades K-12. Hallmarks of Connections Academy-supported online schools include personalized learning, an award-winning curriculum and Education Management System (EMS), dedicated state-certified teachers, and a supportive school community. Parents of enrolled students consistently share their satisfaction with Connections Academy: 92% "would recommend the schools to other families" and 95% say the curriculum is "high quality." In 2017, Connections Academy-supported public schools serve students in 27 states, while the private online school, International Connections Academy meets the online school needs of students worldwide. Recognized for its outstanding curriculum and leadership, Connections Academy is committed to expanding quality education through technology, and helping students achieve both academic and personal success. Connections Academy is part of the global learning company, Pearson, and its Online & Blended Learning group. For more information, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

Washington Connections Academy (WACA) is a tuition-free, virtual public school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. WACA has two schools under its umbrella of the shared-services model. It operates in partnerships with the Mary M. Knight School District and Goldendale School District and is under contract with Connections Academy to provide its educational program and other services. Both Washington Connections Academy schools are accredited by Cognia and were recognized as Cognia Schools of Distinction in 2022.

Position Summary:

Working from home near the office in Tumwater, Washington, the Administrative Assistant is responsible for daily school administrative tasks such as answering phones and email, communicating and updating records and student information systems, assisting the principals and teachers with administrative tasks, and other tasks duties as assigned. The office staff will go into the office about once a week to check mail, print records, team mailing projects, professional development, or event preparation. Hours of work are 8-4:30 or 7:30-4.

The Administrative Assistant works closely with Office Manager. The Administrative Assistant will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Data & Reporting

• Entering data into the online student information systems

• Generating required reporting and school-specific form collection

• Prepare reports for teachers and administrators by collecting, entering, and analyzing information and data

• Communication

• Speak with parents and students

• Outbound communication via phone, online chat, and email with various stakeholders

• Maintain clear logs of all communications with stakeholders

• Organization

• Keep projects and reports on schedule

• Demonstrate ability to organize resources and a planned approach in order to execute projects efficiently and timely

• Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and follow through on issues in a timely manner

• Professionalism

• Motivated, self-starter who can work independently and in a cross-functional team environment

• Excellent follow-up skills; e.g. obtaining missing paperwork or checking in with people to keep a project moving forward

• Assist school leadership with a wide variety of daily responsibilities

• Ability to assist in the training and mentoring of new administrative assistants in records and general operating procedures

• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be able to report to the office in Tumwater, WA

• Must reside in the state of Washington

• Team player track record, highly flexible, and with a demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated strong technology skills (especially Microsoft Office and Google Suite products, synchronous classroom programs such as Zoom, third-party educational software such as Nearpod, and data collection and examination tools, including spreadsheets and databases)

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to communicate (listen and speak) effectively and appropriately with staff, students, and families from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.

• Excellent attention to detail, with proven time management and organizational skills, especially when working independently

• Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues to foster and encourage an inclusive work and school environment that is supportive of different groups of individuals, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

• Student- and family-focused approach, with demonstrated ability to create an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environment that supports and recognizes students of diverse backgrounds and identities.

• Ability to travel for one, possibly two, weeks at a time for key school events, including overnight travel (including, but not limited to: back-to-school training, state testing, graduation ceremony, marketing events, and field trips)

• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for 2-step authentication.

Based on Experience and Education, the salary is $19.10 per hour

Washington Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Washington Connections Academy acknowledges that its school operations span the state of Washington and that we have families and staff who live and work on the traditional homelands of Washington's Indigenous Peoples who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. We wish to express deep respect and gratitude for the land itself and to the people whose history and lives are here.