School Receptionist & Office Assistant

ABOUT US

Shu Ren International School (Pre-K–5th grade) inspires a lifelong love of learning through an inquiry-based, Mandarin immersion program that empowers students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Founded in Berkeley, California in 2008, Shu Ren is accredited by WASC and authorized by the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer the Primary Years Programme.

Our mission is grounded in three pillars: inquiry-based learning, multilingual and multicultural education, and whole-child development. We believe these elements are essential to prepare students with the skills, mindset, and compassion to navigate a complex global future.

At Shu Ren, you’ll join a collaborative and internationally diverse team committed to high-quality education and continuous growth. We foster a culture of inclusion, belonging, and professional excellence—and we are proud to support our faculty and staff with competitive compensation, strong benefits, and meaningful opportunities for development.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the School Receptionist & Office Assistant, you’ll play a key part in keeping our school running smoothly and creating a warm, welcoming environment for students, families, staff, and visitors. This role is ideal for someone who’s organized, proactive, and enjoys working with children and families. In addition to the responsibilities below, you'll pitch in on various tasks that support the day-to-day operations of our school. Please note that the School Receptionist & Office Assistant must be fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Front Reception Area Coordination

• Ensure desk and reception areas remain organized and welcoming
• Manage incoming calls, make outgoing calls as necessary, and take accurate messages
• Welcome and guide guests (parents, subs, afterschool staff) to their destinations or connect them with the appropriate staff members
• Monitor check-in & out procedures; assist parents in Brightwheel user interface
• Ensure sign-in/out procedures for visitors are enacted and followed
• Respond to and triage emails to maintain efficient communication
• Provide basic first aid to injured students and assist sick students with their needs as required, including contacting parents or emergency contacts for pick up if deemed necessary
• Open and/or close the McGee gate as needed
• Field simple queries and direct to the appropriate person

Administrative Support

• Maintain office supplies for front desk
• Receive, sort, and deliver mail and packages
• Assist with various administrative and clerical tasks, including drafting emails, and coordinating schedules and calendars that support school operations and the Head of School
• Verify attendance through the Toddle system and track student tardies
• Keep student and staff emergency information binders and forms updated
• Assist with student records management by updating records, printing up emergency forms, updating student rosters, coordinating lunch registration
• Assists with Enrichment Programs by creating student rosters, responding to program inquiries and communicating with parents
• Submit maintenance requests to plant operations request system

Social Media and Communications

• Assist with social media posts for general school programs including enrichment
• Assist with weekly communications to families and faculty
• Edit and send out incident reports, and communicate with families

Event Support: 

• Assist Operations & Events Specialist with event logistics, including communications and supporting editing, proofing and printing event collateral
• Coordinate parent contributions to events including setting schedules, using clear and consistent communication protocols
• Assist with coordinating hospitality for staff and parent meetings and events

ABOUT YOU

• You are kind and compassionate: You are thoughtful in your interactions and you are great at putting families and students at ease.
• You are an outstanding communicator: You have excellent written and verbal skills in English (Mandarin fluency a plus!)
• You have amazing organizational skills: You have a talent for handling multiple tasks at the same time with extensive interruptions.
• You love technology: You are savvy with computers, word processing, Gmail, Google Drive, databases and you love learning new technologies.
• You have a can-do attitude: You see challenges as opportunities for growth.
• You thrive in a collaborative work environment: You love being part of a team, you are flexible and adaptable and willing to help others as needed.

BENEFITS – Paid time off, paid vacations, generous Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 401K with 4% matching, friendly office

SALARY –  $20-$24 per hour.

Shu Ren School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Shu Ren School embraces diversity and inclusive hiring practices. Employment at Shu Ren is open to all without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.

• Written and spoken fluency in Mandarin required
• At least 2 years of administrative experience preferred
• Written and spoken fluency in English
• Knowledge or experience in educational settings is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Authorized to work in the United States now and in the future