The Administrative Assistant in Upper School supports the work of the Head of Upper School, the Upper School Dean for Students, and the Assistant Head of School. The position provides a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for the school staff, students, families, and community partners. The Administrative Assistant must have excellent oral and written skills with the ability to communicate with clarity and an understanding of a diverse population. The successful Administrative Assistant can handle multiple priorities, remain flexible and courteous, demonstrate careful attention to detail, take initiative, maintain regular attendance, be punctual, and be dependable. The individual provides administrative support to various functions at the school using a variety of computer systems and handles daily work pressures requiring constant concentration to a high volume of clerical work which must be completed within a limited period. This position additionally supports the planning, preparation, and implementation of special events, as well as partnerships and trips for the upper school. Must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities in an environment with constant interruptions.
Essential functions:
Keeps the calendar for the Head of Upper School
Sends correspondence on behalf of the division
Helps with the hiring process and evaluation process for faculty
Helps with finding substitutes in the division
Assists with safety and security drills in Upper School
Supports receptionist coverage during the school year
Organizes events, such as Back to School Night, Freshman Orientation, and the student-led conferences
Manages IB tests and AP tests
Supports the work of Commencement and Final Assembly with the Head of School’s office
Assists Head of Upper School with divisional budget
Records minutes at various meetings
Manages field trip paperwork and buses in support of extra curricular activities
Manages the book orders for upper school
Handles travel for the Head of Upper School throughout the year
Undertakes special projects as needed
Supports the Dean for Students with special projects and attendance
Orders food for US events
Creates and sends the Monday Announcements to Upper School Faculty/Staff (weekly)
Schedules Parent/Guardian Coffees (and orders refreshments) throughout the school year
Supports newly enrolled students and families
Works with upper school personnel to secure Master Calendar dates for the coming school year
Supports the Head of Upper School in creating a positive environment for faculty, staff, students and parents/guardians
Position requirements:
A professional supportive manner when working with all constituents
An understanding and appreciation of working in a diverse environment
An understanding and appreciation of the mission of Wilmington Friends School
Fluency in technology
A college degree and/or relevant work experience
Please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references electronically to J.R. Neiswender, Head of the Upper School (jneiswender@wilmingtonfriends.org).
It is Wilmington Friends School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, first responder status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. It is the intent and resolve of Wilmington Friends School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and retirement.
The WFS college counseling team began welcoming colleges and universities to campus this week, hosting representatives from 24 schools. Interested junior and senior students can attend these meetings to introduce themselves to regional admissions representatives, learn more about the institutions, ask questions, and share their interest in the schools.
Students in the upper school Smart Machines class began the year with a cup-stacking challenge (with a twist) to prepare them for the hands-on labs and group projects they will complete this semester. Requiring communication, patience, and teamwork, groups of four used a rubber band with attached pieces of yarn to move the cups to the correct location without touching the cups with their hands!
This week kicked off with faculty meetings and professional development , along with a lovely event with our new parents and guardians. And student orientation day did not disappoint, with energy filling both campuses!
The WFS football team hosted the Special Olympics Delaware Flag Football Clinic on Saturday afternoon. WFS student-athletes and Special Olympians participated in a variety of drills together, working on their passing, receiving, and blocking skills!
Gavin Gray ’28 was one of three WFS students who participated in the UPenn Social Innovators Program this spring. This 12-week virtual program allows students to learn more about social entrepreneurship and earn a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.
The WFS field hockey seniors ran a clinic for 5th through 8th grade students on Thursday afternoon. Participants worked on their dribbling, passing, and receiving skills throughout the morning.
New faculty and staff members began their orientation this week! Over the next couple of days, they’ll dive into the history of WFS, explore Quaker Faith and Practice, connect with their mentors, and enjoy activities like “Who’s Who?” and Friends Trivia.
“My kids had the benefit of learning from incredibly talented faculty, being part of a caring and loving community that truly values seeing people for who they are, and what they might not realize they can be.”
On the latest episode of the Quaker Matters Podcast, WFS Director of Athletics Brad Greenman breaks down his first year, the lessons that student-athletes learn through athletics, and his hopes for the 2026–27 school year.
The Class of 2027 participated in the College Counseling Office's annual Application 101, where students completed the Common Application and refined their essays. The workshop was led by Interim Director of College Counseling, Rose Gnade, who has served on the College Counseling team since 2017.
Who remembers when the Class of 1996 took over the parking lot to spell out their graduation year?!
This fall, the Class of 1996 will celebrate its 30th Reunion during Homecoming Weekend, October 23-24, 2026. We hope to welcome as many classmates back to campus to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate together.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is often considered the highest standard for college preparatory education. This year, more than 30 members from the Class of 2026 were IB Diploma candidates.
“I think that the experiential leadership experience, trying all these new things, was very, very helpful for me. I knew I felt ready going to a liberal arts college after this experience [at WFS] because of that…but then I think the most important thing to me, and this is where I think it’s foundationally and morally changed who I am, is just leading with empathy.”
Colton Loeffler ’29 participated in the Ulster Project Delaware this summer, a month-long program in July where American teenagers host Northern Irish teenagers while participating in team-building activities, embarking on exciting day trips, and creating lasting friendships- all while fostering peace.
When reflecting on the history of girls’ athletics at Wilmington Friends School, one name stands as a monumental pillar of leadership, transformation, and excellence: Natalie S. “Lee” Bush. Serving the school from 1966 to 1999 as the Director of Girls’ Physical Education, teacher, coach, and grade dean, Lee spent over three decades establishing a culture of empowerment that changed the trajectory for countless female student-athletes.
Drew Milford '00 (left) and Josh Galperin '00 (center) recently returned to campus for a tour with their classmate and Head of Lower School, Chris Loeffler '00!
Statement of Nondiscrimination as to Student Enrollment
Wilmington Friends School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of these schools. Wilmington Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.