Executive Assistant to the Head of School

Latin School of Chicago is seeking an Executive Assistant to the Head of the School.

Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who has a passion for teaching and supporting students in an outstanding academic environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished Executive Assistant who enjoys being part of a collaborative team and working in an outstanding academic environment. Reporting to the Head of School, the Executive Assistant provides a wide variety of complex and confidential administrative and executive support functions. This support includes communicating information on behalf of the Head of School to Latin employees and parents; ensuring connection and alignment of the Head of School’s office and Board of trustees activities with administrative functions of the school; and overseeing and addressing a variety of initiatives and/or providing general support necessary to ensure efficient and effective school operations. This dynamic position requires the ability to anticipate needs, think critically, and offer solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as a reliable and trusted partner to the Head of  School
• Coordinates meetings, conferences, direct mailings and school-wide special projects
• Serves as a liaison to the Board of Trustees and senior administrative teams; organizes and coordinates executive outreach
• Composes and distributes routine and complex documents and presentations for the purpose of communicating information to school personnel, students, parents, the public, and others
• Assists the Head of School in scheduling, preparing and distributing agendas for Board and committee meetings
• Attends meetings as assigned (e.g., Board, meetings with others contacted in the course of work) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions and meet record-keeping obligations
• Work closely with the Head of School to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately.
• Coordinate all senior administrative meetings and retreats and assist with staff meetings and events as needed
• Provide sophisticated calendar management for Head of School; prioritize inquiries and requests while troubleshooting conflicts; make judgements and recommendations to ensure smooth day-to-day engagements and ensure prioritization of sensitive matters
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the Head of School, including those of a highly confidential or critical nature
• Prioritize and determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response, exercising judgment to reflect Head of School’s style and organization policy
• Respond to inquiries from students, parents and employees, providing information, facilitating communication among parties and/or providing direction
• Manage sensitive matters with a high level of confidentiality and discretion
• Coordinates meetings and retreats for the Senior Administrative team and collaborates and coordinates school-wide initiatives under the direction of the Head of School
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of 5 years of successful experience of an increasingly responsible nature as an administrative or executive assistant supporting c-suite executives
• Previous Board level experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality
• Ability to work autonomously and proactively seek solutions to challenges
• Must be a detail-oriented self-starter with strong planning and organizational skills
• High level of computer proficiency; working knowledge of Google apps, Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, etc.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Organized with impeccable follow up skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• Collaborative work style with a focus on providing exceptional service to the school
• Strong project management skills
• Expert scheduling and time management skills
• The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a diversity of situations
• Ability to work flexible hours as dictated by the needs of the school for projects and meetings
• Ability to think outside of the box with a sense of urgency
• Commitment to excellence - perform duties at the highest level possible on a consistent basis
• Strong ability to execute work with a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens

Latin School of Chicago embraces diversity of people, cultures, and ideas and is an equal opportunity employer.