Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA
About Shady Hill School:
Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 530 students (PreK – Grade 8) and 90+ faculty, has been a leader in progressive education. Shady Hill is a deeply mission-driven school. We seek to develop independent, joyful and curious learners who respect their own accomplishments and those of others. We strive to be a community whose values are strong and whose teachers are unafraid to engage students in important questions. The school’s program allows children to explore their worlds and test their powers. As a school with a historical and contemporary commitment to social justice, we believe that an inclusive and equitable community is an educational and moral imperative that empowers us all. Therefore, we seek to hire individuals who demonstrate a mindset and skill set that prioritizes cultural competence, equity, and justice in their practice with students and in their work with colleagues.
About the position:
The Executive Assistant to the Head of School provides high level administrative support, organizing, scheduling, coordinating, researching, preparing and compiling information for the Head of School. The position requires a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, patience, and confidentiality as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks at once with flexibility and agility. The Executive Assistant needs to consistently communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing, with all constituents and collaborate with colleagues across all areas of the school. The Executive Assistant needs to be a trusted partner to the Head of School, maintaining confidentiality around highly sensitive information and always exhibiting the highest levels of integrity. The position also supports the Board of Trustees, Equity Office, Parents Council and DASH. This is an in-person, full-time, exempt (salaried) 11-month position.
Responsibilities:
- Understand and anticipate the Head of School’s needs regarding preparation for and scheduling of all activities and meetings.
- Work with the Head to manage his calendar and schedule to ensure it reflects his highest priorities and that he has all of the materials needed for each appointment; field inquiries from various constituents; arrange all travel; and follow up that is necessary. Support the Director of Equity and Inclusion as needed.
- Manage the School’s master calendar which includes reserving spaces and resolving conflicts; assume planning responsibility for key events including Graduation, the Employee holiday party, 8th grade lunches, All School assemblies, Board committees and social events. Support all Parents Council and DASH (Diversity at Shady Hill) events.
- Attend and support weekly senior administrative team meetings (Ad Council) taking minutes and following up with action items.
- Act as communications and scheduling liaison to the Board of Trustees. Oversee and coordinate collection and distribution of materials, scheduling logistics and support for all meetings, activities and initiatives of the Board. Take and record minutes at Board meetings.
- Prepare the weekly all-school Blue Sheet newsletter in a timely manner.
- Assist with Head of School presentations.
- Coordinate administrative searches with the Head of School.
- Perform other duties as assigned by, and in support of, the Head of School.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years previous Executive Assistant experience
- Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills
- High attention to detail, community minded and mission driven
- Strong computer skills including proficiency with Google, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
- Ability to effectively multi-task while working in a highly organized fashion
- Discretion and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters appropriately
- Work independently to meet deadlines and work collaboratively as a team member. Excellent follow through
- Experience working in a school environment preferred
- Ability to anticipate needs for Head of School and Board of Trustees
- Comfortable working with a wide range of constituencies
- Warm, affable and a good listener
How to apply: Please send a pdf including a cover letter and resume to apply@shs.org. Please be sure to include “Assistant to the Head of School” in the subject line of the email.
Shady Hill offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance plans, a school-matched retirement plan and paid time off. Employees must be authorized to work in the United States. Shady Hill is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For a description of the school, refer to: www.shs.org.
COVID19 Protocols: All Shady Hill employees are required to provide proof of vaccination and to observe campus COVID protocols. All health and safety protocols are subject to change based on state, local and CDC guidelines and at the discretion of the Health and Safety Team.