Registrar

Job Description

This position is highly visible and integral to the operations of Montessori Academy of Chicago. This individual often serves as the first and primary point-of-contact for multiple stakeholders among the MAC community, including currently enrolled and prospective parents, vendors, and other visitors. This individual sits at the school’s front desk, greets visitors, and answers incoming phone calls. Therefore, the Registrar is someone who is a natural “people-person,” always welcoming, warm, and upbeat. Valuing customer service is a must.

This individual must also be committed to gaining deep knowledge of the Academy’s programming, rules and operations, and staffing, as well as adequate knowledge of AMS accreditation standards and DCFS licensing regulations. They will also need to demonstrate a significant understanding of and commitment to MAC’s core values and its culture, and they must be able to articulate those ideas to people hearing about us for the first time.

The right candidate for this position possesses exemplary written and verbal communication skills and conveys a warm and welcoming personality to the public. The right person for this job loves young children and families and takes joy in being of service to others. They will need to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. A high degree of professionalism is required; this individual will be trusted with confidential and sometimes sensitive information about children and families at MAC. There will be opportunities for growth for the candidate who proves successful in this position and who demonstrates their reliability and dedication to MAC.

This position is scheduled as part of the facility’s closing shift (e.g. 10 am – 6:30 pm with a 30 minutes lunch). MAC is a year-round institution. In addition to vacation and PTO days, this position receives three paid weeks off (2 over winter holidays and 1 in July). Duties and expectations break down in the following way:

Academy Vision

• Upholds the ethical standards of Montessori Academy of Chicago.
• Acts in accordance with the Academy’s mission, vision, and organizational purpose at all times
• Contributes positively to school climate and culture
• Honors confidentiality of student, family, and financial information
• Acts with integrity, transparency, and professionalism at all times
• Partners competently with children and families from diverse backgrounds
  
  

Front Desk and Registrar Duties

• Executes various front desk responsibilities at all times, such as answering the phone, greeting visitors, and other clerical duties
• Closes down building operations each evening
• Creates student files upon application and manages them throughout the course of enrollment
• Audits all incoming new student paperwork and ensures it is completed in full prior to a child’s start date
• Helps ensure all admissions fees are submitted in a timely manner
• Ensures all student health records and emergency allergy plans are up-to-date
• Works with nurse consultant on the collection and auditing of student health examination forms
• Audits student and staff files regularly to ensure records are up-to-date
• Ensures the Academy’s various databases (e.g. classroom rosters, staff contact list, attendance sheets, Parentsquare) remain up-to-date
• Reviews and edits classroom weekly updates
• Serves as point-of-contact for some Academy vendors, such as CTS and Smitherene
• Maintains a clean and organized workspace
• Assists in ensuring compliance with safety and other regulatory requirements
• Assists Academy leadership team with various administrative tasks that may include: managing external written communications, making copies, creating/filing documents, etc.
• Communicates quickly and effectively with the rest of the administration team, especially regarding information pertinent to school operations, child well-being, and the Academy’s reputation
• Participates in the day-to-day administrative needs of the Academy, serving the needs of faculty and staff
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Other Requirements And Expectations

• Bachelor’s in a relevant field strongly preferred.
• It is also preferred that the applicant be director-qualified according to DCFS rules: https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/089/089004070D01300R.html
• Background in and knowledge of child development is a plus
• Ability to effectively partner and communicate with others and build trusting relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work as part of a team, and to work autonomously
• Must multi-task
• Must approach the work with a great degree of commitment and flexibility, and have the capacity to tolerate stress in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are needed
• Computer competency and proficiency in Windows/Microsoft Office environment is required.
• Bilingual in Spanish would be considered highly valuable
• Periodic evening events
  
  

Submit a cover letter and resume here to be considered for this position or reach out directly to MAC's Hiring Manager at stephanier@montessoriacademychicago.org.

Company Description

The Montessori Academy of Chicago provides a nurturing, authentic Montessori education and parent community, enriching the lives of Chicago’s modern families and students. Our school is an extension of the home. Our parents have peace of mind. Our students are responsible and self-assured global citizens, prepared to lead in the 21st century. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, the Academy serves 260 students each day. We are accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) to serve children from 6 weeks through 8th grade.

The Montessori Academy of Chicago provides a nurturing, authentic Montessori education and parent community, enriching the lives of Chicago’s modern families and students. Our school is an extension of the home. Our parents have peace of mind. Our students are responsible and self-assured global citizens, prepared to lead in the 21st century. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, the Academy serves 260 students each day. We are accredited by the American Montessori Society (AMS) to serve children from 6 weeks through 8th grade.