Strategic Assistant to the Head of School

St. Mark’s Episcopal School•Houston, TX

51d

About The Position

The Strategic Assistant to the Head of School at St. Mark’s Episcopal School is an experienced professional, well-versed in working closely with an organizational leader, and embodying an enthusiasm for independent schools. The Strategic Assistant to the Head of School’s primary goal is to amplify the Head of School’s effectiveness by managing his time and top priorities, combining high-level strategic and operational duties with traditional administrative support, serving as his “right-hand.” The Strategic Assistant to the Head of School must intuitively and proactively anticipate needs so that the HoS’s actions and execution are smooth, effective, and efficient. The Strategic Assistant to the Head of School is a catalyst who supports the HoS’s needs and actions, creating the conditions for smooth execution and serving as a trusted thought partner to strengthen enterprise-level understanding and decision-making.

Requirements

Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Mastery and affinity for using multiple digital platforms, tools, and interfaces, and a capacity to expand.
A bachelor’s degree and prior experience as an administrative assistant to a high-level executive is preferred.
Available for event work, including occasional evenings and after-hours, at times with limited notice.
Ability to work with agency and creativity within established guidelines.
Demonstrate effectiveness as a self-starter and adept in managing multiple priorities and projects.
Work efficiently and effectively under pressure, handling a wide range of activities.
A strong commitment to excellence and consistent high-level performance.
A proven track record of consistent and reliable attendance, and the willingness to plan time that meets the needs of the School and HoS’s calendars.

Responsibilities

Strategic planning and project management
Drive key initiatives, as identified by the HoS, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence.
Serve as a thought partner to the HoS, acting as a sounding board and strategic advisor to both him and the Senior Leadership Team.
Coordinate special projects or initiatives that do not clearly fit within a specific department, as assigned by the HoS.
Assist the HoS in preparing meeting agendas, briefing materials, and presentations, and track follow-up actions to ensure they are completed.
Manage projects for key schoolwide initiatives.
Communication and relationship management
Serve as a welcoming, discrete and effective representative of the HoS’s office, which includes greeting guests, managing correspondence, etc.
Act as a steward for the HoS’s time and attention, filtering and prioritizing information, serving as the primary point of contact between the HoS and both internal and external stakeholders.
Support communications, drafting emails, reports, presentations, and internal or external communications as directed by the HoS.
Strengthen organizational alignment, bridging communication gaps between senior leaders and different departments to ensure everyone is moving toward the same goals.
Build and maintain relationships with staff, partners, vendors, and clients.
Administrative and organizational support
Proactively manage and prioritize a complex and demanding calendar to align the HoS’s schedule with strategic priorities.
Organize complex travel arrangements and accommodations, as well as expense reconciliation.
Handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Perform administrative tasks for the HoS, such as managing correspondence, maintaining files, coordinating meetings, and interfacing between the HoS’s office and all other Administrative Departments and Academic Heads.
Coordinate and facilitate event logistics and planning at the request of HoS.