Assistant to Lower School Principal

Job Description

Paul Cuffee School, a K-12 public charter school of choice located in Providence, Rhode Island, educates a diverse community of students. The school values personal initiative, perseverance, and social responsibility, offering a rigorous academic program enriched with maritime experiences to foster discovery and critical thinking.

Reports To: School Principal

Status: Non-Exempt, 12‑Month Position

Hours: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

The Assistant to the Principal provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Principal and serves as a key liaison among administrators, staff, students, and families. The role ensures smooth daily operation of school systems by managing communication, data, scheduling, and logistics while maintaining strict confidentiality.

• Provide direct support to the Principal, including scheduling, calendar management, correspondence, and follow‑up on tasks.
• Prepare and distribute letters, reports, meeting materials, and other documents.
• Maintain organized and confidential student, staff, and school files.
• Greet visitors, answer calls, and assist with inquiries in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Support internal and external communications, including newsletters, notices, and Spanish translations.
• Maintain an orderly and efficient main office and assist other administrative offices as needed.

• Serve as the primary manager of the Student Information System (SIS), ensuring accurate and timely updates to student, staff, and course data each school year.
• Train and support staff in using SIS, attendance, and absence management systems.
• Maintain daily attendance records, communicate with families regarding absences, and support the attendance team.
• Coordinate grading and reporting processes, including report cards and progress reports.
• Collaborate with admissions to support student enrollment, withdrawals, and records requests.
• Assist with compliance and data reporting for state and district requirements.

• Manage staff absences using the automated absence management system and ensure appropriate classroom coverage.
• Maintain substitute lists, assist in onboarding, and provide daily coverage communication.
• Process hourly staff time and attendance; collaborate with HR and the Business Office on payroll and leave documentation.

• Coordinate logistics for field trips, parent conferences, assemblies, and school events.
• Manage purchasing and supplies: create purchase orders, process invoices, and track deliveries.
• Oversee mailings, deliveries, postage, key distribution, and related administrative tasks.
• Maintain and update emergency procedures; schedule and document required safety drills.
• Coordinate student transportation and communicate updates to families and staff.
• Support facilities and operations teams with event setup and special projects.
• Prepare materials for testing, professional development, and school wide events.

• Serve as liaison between the Principal, teachers, families, and students.
• Serve as primary user for Parent Square and other family/caregiver communication systems.
• Coordinate and support school and family events, including those held after school hours.
• Maintain accurate parent contact lists and school wide communication systems.
• Provide Spanish interpretation and translation for meetings, conferences, and communications.
• Support logistics and translation for parent‑teacher conferences.

• Model integrity, empathy, reflection, high expectations, responsiveness, and clear communication.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and an asset‑based approach to problem solving.
• Prioritize effectively so that all tasks are completed on time.
• Collaborate with administrative teams across divisions to align and improve systems.
• Participate in professional learning and staff meetings to strengthen job‑related skills.
• Support the development and documentation of office procedures and onboarding materials.
• Maintain confidentiality, uphold professionalism, and perform other…