Special Assistant to the Chief Schools Officer

Uncommon Schools•Newark, NJ

17h•$64,000 - $75,300•Onsite

About The Position

This role supports the Chief Schools Officer (CSO) in optimizing her time and resources to enhance Uncommon Schools' service to students and school leaders. The Special Assistant will manage daily executive support, lead projects to improve CSO operations, and collaborate across teams and regions. The position involves a blend of high-level administrative execution, project management, and communication, contributing to school-facing initiatives and the overall impact of the CSO team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
1–2 years of professional experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and follow projects through to completion.
High level of discretion handling confidential information and interacting with senior stakeholders.
Ability to travel frequently (weekly travel between NYC and Newark; monthly travel to Boston, Rochester, and/or Camden) and to work occasional weekends as needed.
Moderate physical activity including standing or walking for periods, setting up equipment or materials, and occasionally carrying items up to 20–40 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in K–12 education or in an executive-level support role.
Experience as an assistant to senior leaders, or prior school operations/teacher experience within K–12 settings.
Experience creating presentations, managing trackers, or operationalizing programs.

Responsibilities

Manage the CSO’s calendar, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel logistics and comprehensive itineraries.
Prepare daily CSO briefs and weekly calendars to ensure the CSO is prepared for meetings and action items.
Provide administrative support for the CSO team (credit card reconciliation, reimbursements, and other office tasks).
Own planning and logistics for meetings and events: create agendas, prepare presentations, take minutes, and manage follow-up.
Support external speaking engagements by handling logistics, drafting speeches/presentations, and preparing the CSO for events.
Create and maintain strategic trackers, rubrics, and project plans to monitor progress toward goals and deadlines.
Partner with leaders across teams and regions to manage stakeholders and operationalize organization-wide CSO initiatives.
Support budget management for the CSO and HSI, including greenlighting purchases and recommending budget adjustments.
Manage and implement the CSO’s communication plan and support inspirational written materials when needed.
Help shape a joyful, collaborative staff culture within the CSO team and with Home Office leaders.