Substitute Switchboard Operator

Title: Substitute Switchboard Operator

Department/Location: Computing and Information Services, St. Louis

Position Type: On-Call

Summary 

The Switchboard Operator Substitute is an on-call position that provides essential front-line communication and reception support, ensuring a professional and welcoming experience for callers and visitors. This role requires strong customer service skills, the ability to remain calm and responsive in a fast-paced environment, and sound judgment when handling routine and urgent situations. The individual must be adaptable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities while supporting the overall flow of communication and safety across campus.

Who We Are 

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.  

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a strong customer service approach
• Handles all incoming calls by answering, assisting, and transferring
• Responds effectively to multiple simultaneous calls
• Monitors switchboard voicemail and handles emergencies appropriately
• Provides directions and general information about the campus
• Manage Business Office door access via the switchboard by admitting known visitors and directing others to the appropriate hosting department

Core Competencies  

Principia values the unique strengths each employee brings to their role. The following competencies are especially important for success at Principia: 

• Continuous Learning & Expertise: Demonstrates mastery in your area of responsibility and seeks opportunities for professional growth and development. 
• Accountability & Results Orientation: Manages time and priorities effectively, meets commitments, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes. 
• Problem Solving & Judgment: Approaches challenges thoughtfully, considers multiple perspectives, and makes sound, timely decisions that support institutional goals. 
• Proactivity & Ownership: Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives projects forward with minimal supervision while taking responsibility for outcomes. 
• Excellence & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, polished, and high-quality work; continuously looks for ways to improve systems, processes, and results. 
• Service Orientation: Builds positive, supportive relationships and responds promptly and professionally to the needs of students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. 
• Collaboration & Collegiality: Works cooperatively across departments and teams; values input from others and contributes to a positive, respectful environment. 
• Communication: Shares information clearly and concisely; listens carefully to others and adjusts communication style for different audiences and situations. 
• Inclusion & Belonging: Demonstrates respect for all people; values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect. 

Minimum Qualifications  

• Student of Christian Science preferred  
• Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here https://www.principia.edu/about/guiding-statements  
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a customer service, receptionist, or switchboard role 
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings and short-notice assignments
• Experience handling multiple phone lines or high call volume
• Experience using databases and Microsoft Office applications
• Demonstrated experience interacting with a diverse population, including students and adults

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work, but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.  

Equal Opportunity  

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.  

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.