Special Assistant to the Chief Schools Officer

$70,000 - $80,000/Yr

Ascend Public Charter Schools

Full-time - Entry Level

11-50 employees

About the position

Ascend Public Charter Schools is seeking a highly organized and self-motivated individual to serve as the Special Assistant to the Chief Schools Officer (CSO). This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of the executive team and providing comprehensive support services. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced and energetic environment, demonstrating a passion for building systems and structures that contribute to a high-performing organization. The Special Assistant will be responsible for coordinating the operations of the executive team, which includes leading the planning and execution of meetings, managing busy executive calendars, and ensuring effective communication that informs Ascend's strategic and daily agenda. This position will also involve designing, managing, and executing special projects that align with Ascend's strategic initiatives or executive projects. At Ascend, we are deeply committed to our scholars, ensuring that all children have access to a rigorous and quality education within a supportive learning environment. We encourage innate curiosity, foster discussion and debate, and guide students to think critically and independently. Our mission is to provide an exceptional education that prepares students for success in college and beyond, and we invest heavily in our team members through ongoing professional training and support. The Special Assistant will work closely with the CSO and the leadership team, supporting them in various capacities, including planning and executing leadership meetings, managing communications, and developing relationships with key stakeholders. This role requires a high level of discretion, integrity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Work integrally with the leadership team to support planning, execution, and follow-up for weekly leadership team meetings, monthly all-staff meetings, and other communication forums.
• Support the CSO in planning, material preparation, execution, and follow-up for regular team meetings.
• Coordinate and manage executive leaders' busy calendars and provide administrative support to ensure effective use of leadership time.
• Screen, follow-up, and respond to emails, mail, and telephone calls on behalf of the CSO and Chief Curriculum and Instruction Officer.
• Manage special projects that require understanding of the organization and its goals.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders within and outside Ascend, representing the office of the CSO with professionalism.
• Support systems and structures that contribute to a robust administrative backbone at the network office.
• Listen to the needs of others, respond and adapt, and build relationships of trust across diverse teams.
• Draft confidential correspondence, edit documents, take meeting minutes, and perform other administrative duties.
• Coordinate operations of the executive team to ensure effective and efficient functioning of the officers.
• Identify and lead on critical issues requiring the attention of the officer's team while maintaining confidentiality.
• Plan and execute special events as needed.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of relevant administrative or education space experience preferred.
• Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Suite; comfort in learning and leveraging new technology.
• Clear, concise, and accurate written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• High attention to detail with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with urgency, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Flexibility to troubleshoot and handle matters after business hours as necessary.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and planning skills; ability to backward plan and set and achieve priorities while working with multiple team members and competing priorities.
• Strong partnering, rapport-building, and relationship management skills across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to balance teamwork with self-direction and drive to solve practical problems and deliver results.
• A team player with a positive attitude and the ability to work independently.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $70,000 - $80,000 based on experience and qualifications.
• Ongoing professional training and support for faculty members.