CHIEF OF STAFF/LIAISON TO THE BOARD

The Chief of Staff and Liaison to the Board provides administrative/advisory support for the Office of the Head of School.  The primary responsibility is to support the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.  The person in this office will function at various moments as gatekeeper, administrator, implementer, proxy, and advisor for and to the Head of School, interacting with and integrating all of the School's different constituencies. Hence, this individual must be articulate in both oral and written discourse, able to generate lucid and cogent writing, and be the face of the school while maintaining the utmost confidentiality and professionalism. This person is expected to be an active member of the School community. Intelligence, patience, tact, confidence, organization, trustworthiness, initiative, a sense of humor, and the ability to manage stressful situations and work under pressure are important characteristics.

Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the requisite cognitive, analytical and emotional intelligence to facilitate the complex and nuanced situations that require the Head’s attention
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and see them through to completion
• Keen understanding of school’s educational policies and protocols
• Ability to function successfully as the liaison to the Board of Trustees
• Tech and social media savvy with strong computer skills:

Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Pages, Google applications, database experience, able to troubleshoot daily tech issues, social media expertise; experience with board management software, e.g. Boardable a plus

• Ability to manage multiple calendars, including the Head’s, in order to provide workload efficiency and balance
• Ability to complete work in a busy, high-profile office setting and deal with frequent interruptions
• Intermediary with various offices and units on campus including Admission, Advancement, Athletics, Business, Student Life and
• Ability to anticipate issues before they arise and thoroughly prepare the Head for them
• Ability to arrange travel for Head of School, often in conjunction with the Advancement Office
• Firm grasp of proper English usage and ability to compose correspondence and other documents independently

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the smooth running of the Head of School’s office by managing her calendar, scheduling appointments, interfacing with parents, faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and friends of the school, while being informed about the issues the Head and the School is dealing with at any given time.
• Plan and take charge of all daily priorities and high-profile commitments, while serving as the principal point of contact for those seeking access to the Head.
• Ensure that the Head has the necessary materials ahead of time, in a timely manner, and that the necessary arrangements have been made for meetings (on and off campus), events, trips, etc. Provide timely submission of documentation for reimbursement.
• Handle internal and external correspondence, often of a confidential nature, for the Head’s Office, including taking minutes for meetings when asked. Assists with the design and implementation of internal reports and the development of presentations.
• Serve as Board Liaison: help to coordinate the orientation of new trustees, Serve as Board Liaison, support Board members in their work with the Head including high-level administrative tasks as well as meeting logistics, agenda development, scheduling, attendance; coordinate the Board’s online portal, Boardable, and ensure that Board records, correspondence, minutes and meetings are maintained; reserve facilities and prepare all requisitions.  Coordinate on-campus (and occasional off-campus) meetings and teleconferences of the Board and its committees, including those involving the Business Office. Become fluent in governance bylaws of the Board.
• Coordinate with others to prepare an annual calendar of events for which the Head’s office is responsible or for which the Head has responsibilities.
• Coordinate and collaborate with events manager for events involving the Head of School such as, but not limited to, faculty/trustee dinners, annual community picnic, Head’s holiday party, and Commencement, working with Environmental Services, Dining Services, and other departments as necessary.
• Manage Head’s Office budget, maintain and restock Head’s Office supplies; ensure proper functioning of equipment.
• Schedule yearly discussions regarding employment contracts for faculty and administrators; Coordinate with the Business Office.
• Maintain all Head’s Office files, hard copy and electronic, monitor and process renewal of memberships and subscriptions and coordinate faculty recognition awards and events where applicable.

Promote positive morale and teamwork and provide exceptional customer service to the Head of School, students, faculty and community.

Requirements:

Advanced degree preferred (Master’s or greater)

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a similar position

Provide advanced administrative support at the executive level

This position could include some weekends, holidays and evenings and other duties as assigned.

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume and contact list of three professional references in 1 document to: [email protected]