Front Desk Receptionist

📍 Lane College - Jackson, TN 38301

Overview

Position Type:

Full Time

Job Shift:

Day

Education Level:

High School

Travel Percentage:

None

Category:

Other

Description

Front Desk Receptionist

Department: Campus Safety and Security
Reports To: Director of Campus Safety and Security
Employment Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Front Desk Receptionist serves as the first point of contact for students, employees, visitors, vendors, and guests entering the designated campus facility. This position is responsible for providing professional customer service, monitoring front desk operations, answering calls, directing visitors, maintaining sign-in procedures, and supporting the overall safety and security efforts of the College.

The Front Desk Receptionist must maintain a welcoming, professional, and alert presence while ensuring that all individuals entering the facility follow established campus policies, safety procedures, and visitor protocols.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet students, faculty, staff, visitors, and vendors in a courteous and professional manner.
• Answer incoming phone calls, provide general information, and direct calls to the appropriate department or individual.
• Monitor front desk activity and report any suspicious behavior, safety concerns, or policy violations to Campus Safety and Security.
• Maintain visitor sign-in and sign-out logs, issue visitor passes when required, and ensure proper identification procedures are followed.
• Provide directions and general assistance to campus guests and community members.
• Assist with maintaining a safe and secure front desk/lobby environment.
• Notify the Director of Campus Safety and Security or appropriate personnel of emergencies, incidents, or unusual activity.
• Support emergency procedures by following established protocols during drills, evacuations, lockdowns, severe weather events, or other campus emergencies.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, reports, and front desk documentation as required.
• Receive and distribute messages, packages, or documents as assigned.
• Ensure confidentiality when handling sensitive student, employee, visitor, or institutional information.
• Assist with monitoring access to the building or assigned area.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional front desk workspace.
• Communicate effectively with Campus Safety officers, Residence Life staff, Facilities, Human Resources, and other departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Campus Safety and Security.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous receptionist, customer service, administrative support, or security desk experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with students, employees, visitors, and the public.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or emergency situations.
• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, and general office equipment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Must be dependable, punctual, and able to work assigned schedules.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a college, school, security, residence hall, or front desk environment.
• Knowledge of basic safety procedures and visitor management practices.
• CPR, First Aid, or emergency response training preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to recognize and report safety concerns.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Campus Safety and other campus departments.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Work Environment

This position works primarily at a front desk, reception area, lobby, or campus entry point. The employee may interact frequently with students, employees, visitors, vendors, and the general public. The position may require sitting for extended periods, answering phones, using a computer, and occasionally standing or walking within the assigned area.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including telephone, computer, printer, and copier.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person and by phone.
• Ability to lift or move light office materials, typically up to 20 pounds.

Work Schedule

The work schedule will be determined based on departmental needs. Evening, weekend, holiday, or special event coverage may be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Lane College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.