Administrative Specialist

Port Townsend School of Woodworking seeks an energetic organizer for a part-time Administrative Specialist position. We are looking for someone adept at collaborative problem-solving to support office operations. The anticipated start date is April 2026. About PTSW Founded in 2007, Port Townsend School of Woodworking (PTSW) is the premier woodworking school in the northwestern United States with a vision to cultivate a thriving, interconnected community of passionate woodworkers. PTSW offers an array of classes from two-day courses covering hand and machine tools to twelve-week woodworking intensives. The school provides education in subjects such as hand tool woodworking, traditional furniture making, studio furniture, turning, timber-framing, green woodworking, Indigenous carving, and Japanese woodworking. Every year, PTSW hosts more than 650 students – complete beginners to experienced woodworkers – from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The school is a certified Washington State vocational school with the ability to accept GI Bill funding for longer courses. PTSW’s annual budget is approximately $900K and historically has grown an average of 10-15% per year. PTSW has a strong presence in traditional markets for woodworking education - retirees, veterans, professionals, young adults, and mid-life career changers - but we work hard to welcome everyone for a diverse student body that makes us a richer and stronger community. As part of our mission, we successfully recruit students from institutionally under-resourced groups in our broader community, enabling them to develop new skills and share in the passion for woodworking. We are committed to offering students small class sizes and the opportunity to study with an array of woodworking professionals who bring a wide breadth of specialties and master craftsmanship. Our commitment to responsible stewardship and sustainable practices is woven throughout our curriculum, in which we discuss and promote the use of non-toxic products and domestic woods. Position Summary The School seeks an energetic organizer for the 0.75 FTE position (30 hours a week) of Administrative Specialist. You will be required to utilize multiple communication methods, perform light desktop research, and develop a proficiency in our shared software tools. Our Administrative Specialist will work collaboratively with the entire staff to support the front office needs. You will work with people who are trained, energetic, and driven for our overall business, which is our students. Each day, you play an essential role in ensuring a safe, comfortable environment for our students and staff. This is a highly stationary position and in person at the PTSW office. The Administrative Specialist reports to the Executive Director and has no direct reports. Key Responsibilities Provide administrative support, including data entry, report generation, and documentation management; ensure absolute confidentiality of information Support student enrollment processes Scheduling, note-taking, and coordination of meetings Organization of digital resources and documentation Perform office routines, including answering the phones, responding to emails, taking and conveying messages, and distributing mail Greet, assist, and direct students and visitors who come into the office Assist in planning school events and activities Performs desktop publishing such as school newsletters, flyers, etc Preferred working hours are from 9am to 3pm Monday - Friday Required Qualifications 1. One year or more of experience in an administrative or operational role (front-office role preferred) 2. Completed High School Diploma or GED 3. Proficient user of Google Workspace products (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Drive, etc). 4. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 5. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 6. Attention to detail and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 7. Proactive and creative problem-solver. 8. Team player capable of working both collaboratively and independently. 9. A valid driver’s license This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of students, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting. Desired Qualifications Experience working at an educational institution A sense of humor (a punny one preferred) Passion for woodworking and the value of a craft education Work Environment/Conditions Quiet office Requires ability to navigate stairs Sedentary for hours at a time Requires standing, walking, reaching using hands and arms, and ability to lift up to 30 pounds Compensation Hourly wage: $23 - $25/hour Health insurance Vision insurance Dental insurance Sick days and paid time off (PTO) School vacations as designated for your position $500 allotment for professional development How to Apply Candidates of all backgrounds who think they will be successful in this role should consider applying, even if you don’t meet all the qualifications. We encourage members of communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the woodworking education field, such as women, LGBTQ2SIA+ and people of color, to apply. Please send a brief letter of interest and a resume, including two references, the Executive Director, Taylor Hamilton (taylor@ptwoodschool.org). Your letter should tell us about your background, experience, skills, and especially why you think your passion and expertise align with the position. Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement Port Townsend School of Woodworking is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, hair texture or protective hairstyles, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. Further, Port Townsend School of Woodworking is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of harassment. Background Check Statement Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record histor,y will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: 30.0 per week Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance Work Location: In person