Office Administrator

Position Overview

The Hessel School House (HSH) is seeking a highly organized, dependable, and community-minded Office Administrator to oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of the Hessel School House and help support its mission of preserving and utilizing this extraordinary historic landmark for the benefit of the Les Cheneaux Islands and Eastern Upper Peninsula.

The Office Administrator serves as the host and primary administrative presence of the Hessel School House, welcoming visitors, coordinating activities and facility use, supporting programs and events, working with volunteers, and maintaining the administrative, bookkeeping, and organizational functions of the School House.

This is a full-time, on-site position with a set weekly schedule:

Tuesday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Sunday and Monday: Off

Occasional evening hours may be required when special events, programs, rentals, or other HSH activities require additional coverage and the part-time staff or volunteers are not available.

The Office Administrator works closely with the Avery Learning Center (ALC) Director, HSH volunteers, part-time staff, committees, community partners, artists, instructors, and the HSH Board of Directors. The Administrator reports to a designated liaison of the HSH Board of Directors and attends regular Board meetings, providing written reports for inclusion with meeting agendas.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, office administration, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least two years of administrative and bookkeeping experience.
• Experience working with or understanding nonprofit organizations and operations.

Required:

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and collaborate effectively with staff, volunteers, board members, and community members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, email, databases, and common office management applications.
• Familiarity with basic bookkeeping procedures and accounting principles.
• Professional, welcoming, and dependable demeanor.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when communication and collaboration are needed.

Key Responsibilities

Office Administration & Community Relations

• Serve as the welcoming host and primary point of contact for the Hessel School House.
• Answer phones, respond to emails and correspondence, greet visitors, and provide general information about HSH programs, activities, rentals, and events.
• Maintain a professional, organized, and welcoming office environment.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail and correspondence.
• Maintain accurate postal, email, contact, and address databases.
• Maintain guest registers, bulletin boards, and other visitor information.
• Provide or coordinate tours of the historic Hessel School House.
• Serve as a liaison with presenters, instructors and class hosts.
• Maintain and manage registrations for classes, programs, workshops, and special events, including recording participant information, processing payments as applicable, communicating with registrants, and providing accurate attendance lists to instructors and staff.
• Assist with setup and breakdown for classes, programs, meetings, and events, including tables, chairs, projectors, sound equipment, and other facility needs.

Bookkeeping & Financial Administration

• Maintain bookkeeping files and databases in an accurate and timely manner.
• Record and process incoming checks and payments.
• Process receipts and maintain appropriate financial documentation.
• Maintain and reconcile the office cash box.
• Process donations and provide timely donation acknowledgments and receipts.
• Process and track commemorative brick orders and donor recognition.
• Maintain accurate records of contributions, payments, and related correspondence.
• Work within established HSH financial and accounting procedures.

Facility Rentals & Building Operations

• Oversee all aspects of private facility rentals, including scheduling, communication with renters, contracts/agreements, payments, questions, and facility preparation.
• Coordinate the use of the facility for classes, meetings, programs, community activities, and special events.
• Supervise and coordinate building and grounds maintenance.
• Oversee part-time staff and cleaning services.
• Purchase office, program, maintenance, and other necessary supplies.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and organized storage areas, including the basement inventory.
• Help ensure that the facility remains clean, safe, orderly, and welcoming to visitors and community users.

Volunteer Coordination

• Recruit, organize, schedule, and communicate with volunteers for events and ongoing HSH activities.
• Coordinate volunteers for programs, special events, and facility activities.
• Assist the Bingo Committee with volunteer coordination and required state paperwork.
• Coordinate and support volunteers involved with the Storybook Trail, including maintenance and updating of books and materials.
• Maintain positive and productive relationships with HSH volunteers and recognize the important role they play in the organization.

Programs, Events & Community Activities

• Collaborate closely with the Avery Learning Center Director on programs, projects, and special events.
• Assist with the annual Aldo Leopold Festival, including administrative and logistical support.
• Assist with the production and distribution of The Guide.
• Assist with social media, advertising, promotional materials, flyers, and outreach to schools and community organizations as needed.
• Serve as a liaison with Farmers/Artisans Market participants and organizers.
• Assist with other HSH programs, events, and community initiatives as assigned.

Gift Shop & Art Gallery

• Order, receive, organize, and maintain gift shop inventory.
• Maintain accurate gift shop inventory records and displays.
• Keep gift shop and public areas neat, attractive, and adequately stocked.
• Maintain the art gallery inventory and records.
• Arrange gallery displays as needed and communicate with participating artists.
• Maintain appropriate records and communication regarding artwork and sales.

Team Collaboration

The Office Administrator is an important member of the Hessel School House team and will work closely with the Avery Learning Center Director to ensure that the School House operates smoothly and effectively.

Because the Hessel School House is a community-based nonprofit organization with a wide variety of programs and activities, responsibilities may occasionally overlap. The successful candidate must be willing to assist where needed, communicate openly, and work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, board members, instructors, renters, artists, and community partners.

Schedule & Compensation

Schedule: Full-time, on-site position

Tuesday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Sunday and Monday: Off

Occasional evening hours may be required when necessary to cover for an unavailable part-time staff member or for special HSH events, programs, or activities.

Salary: $35,000 – $40,000 annually, depending on qualifications, skills, and experience.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an organized and detail-oriented professional who enjoys working with people and takes pride in creating a welcoming environment. This individual will be comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities, bookkeeping, facility operations, event coordination, volunteer management, and community relations.

Most importantly, the successful candidate will appreciate the unique role the Hessel School House plays in the Les Cheneaux Islands community and will be enthusiastic about helping preserve, promote, and make this historic landmark a valuable resource for residents, visitors, students, and community organizations.

DEADLINE TO APPLY – September 15, 2026

Interested candidates should send their resume to office@hesselschoolhouse.net or drop it off at the Hessel School House before September 15th for consideration.