Career Center

Manzanita is a fully-accredited independent school with 140 students in grades K thru 12. We are nestled in Topanga Canyon on over 20 acres of beautiful land. At Manzanita School we develop both our academic strengths as well as our connections with the natural world. We believe that this kind of educational program can best help to heal the planet. Our community of educators and support staff are highly collaborative. Our Office Manager is valued much more than simply a person behind a desk, but also as a vital and integral member of the team. This is because the job responsibilities extend well beyond just the front desk. Our Office Manager acts as Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, supports teachers in myriad ways, and even works with groups of students outdoors.

We are seeking an Office Manager for the 2023/2024 school year, who is an enthusiastic self-starter, highly personable, and with 2+ years of experience organizing systems and data for a school. This multi-faceted position offers opportunities for directly supporting the Head of School, and serves as the hub of communication for parents, students, and staff.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage the reception area to ensure effective communication with all visitors, students, faculty, staff and school administrators in a professional and courteous manner;
• Handle all telephone communication in a professional and courteous manner, and assist will all mailings;
• Assist with student check-in for late arrivals, early dismissals or other requested information, as needed;
• Maintain inventory of office and teacher supplies and place orders, as needed;
• Clean and organize the office kitchen including washing dishes, cleaning the refrigerator, and keeping the kitchen tidy.
• Direct and ensure that all maintenance and housekeeping needs of the campus are addressed and completed by custodial staff; 
• Administer first aid to students and inventory and order first aid supplies;
• Assist with the coordination of field trips;
• Maintain precise record keeping of student attendance, dismissals and tardiness; 
• Maintain precise attendance records for faculty and staff;
• Assist in the parking lot during arrival and dismissal;
• Manage Main Calendar and Admin and Office Calendar
• Collaborate regularly with the Head and Assistant Head of School and other Division Heads, as needed, regarding school related initiatives and projects;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School;
• Support teachers as needed

Essential Skills Necessary for this Position Include:
(1) friendly disposition
(2) excellent writing skills
(3) welcoming phone manner
(4) detail-oriented manager
(5) proactive thinker (knows what's coming)
(6) life-long learner who is able to take feedback
(7) well-developed organizational skills
(8) able to create and manage multiple systems at once
(9) able to serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Head of School
(10) love of the outdoors
(11) willingness to mentor students
(12) calm under pressure
(13) flexibility in new circumstances
(14) ability to supervise others
(15) commitment to being of service to teachers, students, and parents at all times

Required Education/Background:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University.
• 2+ years of proven administrative experience in a school setting, preferably an independent school setting.

To Apply:

If joining a growing school with strong core values appeals to you, please visit our website at this link to learn more. If, after reading through the site, you are strongly interested in joining school and project, please contact Director of Instruction, Ms. Gabrielle Cartelli, with a letter of introduction explaining why you think you are a
strong fit for Manzanita. (Please do not submit a form cover letter). Please also attach an up-to-date resume, and three references. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Manzanita School and Institute

Manzanita School and Institute, founded in 2013, is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school, serving students in grades K through 12. We are located on 21 acres in the rugged and bio-diverse Topanga Canyon, northwest of Los Angeles. Currently in our 9th year, our program emphasizes human ecology and land stewardship. We received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 2017.

Connections working at Manzanita School and Institute