Executive Assistant to the Head of School

Emma Willard School is seeking an executive assistant to the head of school to be a key partner, ensuring the head of school is informed and prepared to effectively lead the organization. This role requires the utmost confidentiality and absolute discretion. The successful candidate will be a member of the senior administration, provide direct support to the board of trustees, and act as the gatekeeper of sensitive information. The school community values an authentic, supportive culture with deep personalization, which must be reflected in each interaction while maintaining the extreme confidentiality demanded by the role.

Responsibilities

• Ensures critical information flows efficiently to and from the head of school to trustees, alumnae, faculty, staff, parents, and students.
• Proactively anticipates the needs of the head of school, using discretion in scheduling and prioritizing meetings, events, travel, and other calendar needs.
• Serves as the primary staff resource to the board of trustees, including taking minutes at full board, governance, and DEI committee meetings, scheduling meetings, and responding to the board chair’s support needs.
• Develops and maintains a password-protected portal for trustees, containing current meeting materials and resources, and manages all legal documents (By-Laws, Conflict of Interest and Disclosure, Trustee Responsibilities).
• Prepares new trustees with orientation materials and plans new trustee orientation.
• Organizes and plans events for the head of school and board of trustees, modeling healthy collaboration with staff across operational areas.
• Makes all travel arrangements for the head of school and coordinates travel with the Head of Advancement and Head of Enrollment Management for alumnae, donor, and admissions events.
• Supports the head of school in operational areas and assists other senior administrators as requested to ensure smooth school operations.
• Drafts, proofreads, and formats documents and correspondence.
• Maintains the head of school’s calendar, managing an active schedule of appointments and protected time.
• Tracks and reconciles the head of school’s monthly expenses.
• Plans and organizes faculty/staff back-to-school welcome events and end-of-year celebrations.
• Occasionally works outside regular hours for board meetings and special programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned, such as calendar management and special projects related to strategic initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of seven years of experience providing administrative support.
• Strong writing skills and ability to maintain confidentiality, intuitively understanding what must remain private.
• Appreciation for and commitment to Emma Willard’s distinctive mission.
• Flexible, responsible, and resourceful with effective time-management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and creatively within established guidelines.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Professional demeanor, sense of humor, pleasant phone manner, positive attitude, patience, and excellent listening skills.

Pay

Salary range: $83,000 - $90,000 based on education and experience.