Executive Assistant to the Head of School

Title:  Executive Assistant to the Head of School 
Reports to: Head of School
Status: Exempt 


The School:
St. Bernard’s School is a K-9 independent boys’ school founded in 1904. The school, located on the Upper East Side, serves a community of approximately 380 students and 100 employees.
 
St. Bernard’s offers young boys of diverse backgrounds an exceptionally thorough, rigorous, and enjoyable introduction to learning and community life. We aim to inspire boys to value hard work and fair play, to develop confidence, consideration for others, and a sense of citizenship, while also having fun in the process. We believe that young boys derive many benefits from an elementary school specifically designed for them.

Job Overview:
The Executive Assistant to the Head of School provides comprehensive and professional administrative support to the Head of School and, by extension, to the Board of Trustees and other departments. Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as a commitment to confidentiality, are paramount. The Executive Assistant to the Head of School must often exercise good judgment and make decisions independently, while also working as part of a team and as a member of the wider school community. The person in this position works collaboratively with students, colleagues, families, and trustees and serves a central and essential role within the St. Bernard’s community. This is a 12-month administrative position, with some supervisory responsibilities, and it offers substantial vacation time, a competitive salary, and generous benefits.

Responsibilities: 
  • Support the Head of School:
    • Serve as primary administrative partner to the Head of School, helping to manage the daily operations of the school and supporting the Head’s short- and long-term goals
    • Manage the Head of School’s calendar, protecting his time and focus and ensuring that he is allocating his time and energy in a way that reflects his and the school’s priorities 
    • Coordinate logistics for meetings and events that involve the Head of School and ensure that he is sufficiently prepared for all engagements
    • Be responsive to all members of the school community as needed; facilitate communication between the Head of School and all constituencies: faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni (“Old Boys”), former employees, and the broader community
    • Coordinate written correspondence and other outreach from the Head of School office (e.g., thank-you letters, condolence letters, gifts sent in congratulations or sympathy)
    • Navigate confidential and sensitive situations with exceptional discretion, respect, diplomacy, and professional judgment
    • Coordinate the work between the Head of School office and other offices, especially development, business, and human resources
    • Oversee projects and event-planning, as assigned by the Head of School
    • Handle all travel arrangements, conference registration, meal reservations, and expense reporting for the Head of School
  • Support the Board of Trustees:
    • Schedule and organize board meetings, committee meetings, and other trustee events
    • Record minutes of board meetings and organize and maintain all board materials and records
  • Support the school and community:
    • Oversee or support the planning of certain events, including Friday assemblies, the Fathers Dinner, the Carols service, Parents Evenings, Commencement, and gatherings and meetings of the faculty and staff (N.B.: Some events are held in the evenings.)
    • Manage the front office, including two direct reports (receptionist and office manager)
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with outside vendors who support the school’s work and traditions
    • Coordinate some internal coverage needs (e.g., lunch duty and detention supervision)
    • Maintain student records, in collaboration with the registrar
    • Participate fully in the life of the school community through activities such as supervising a student lunch table and attending school assemblies and other events
    • Be willing to pitch in where needed, including helping with coverage needs that might arise
    • Other duties as assigned by the Head of School

Qualifications: 
  • At least 5 years of executive assistant experience, not necessarily in an independent school (though school experience is appealing)
  • Bachelor’s degree and a commitment to a lifetime of learning
  • Superior written and oral communication skills, with advanced editing and proofreading skills
  • Meticulous attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and reliable follow-through
  • Proven ability to manage many, often competing priorities, wisely and effectively in a fast-paced setting
  • Ability to anticipate others’ needs and “manage up” as needed
  • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters appropriately and discreetly 
  • Advanced proficiency (and/or determination to develop such proficiency) with relevant technology tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, databases (e.g., Blackbaud), and project management software (e.g., Asana)

Personal Attributes:
  • Approachable, warm, and calm demeanor, with a good sense of humor
  • Emotional intelligence, concern for others, and a good heart
  • Appreciation for ritual, tradition, and the joyful unpredictability of a boys school
  • Excellent listening skills
  • Strong moral compass and integrity; a commitment to ethical behavior
  • Intellectual curiosity about the world and the people who share it
  • Grace under pressure
  • Comfort working with all members of the community 
  • Flexibility and adaptability

To apply for this position please send a pdf of your resume and cover letter to humanresources@stbernards.org

St. Bernard’s welcomes and seeks a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and parents. We're an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the starting annual base salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000. St. Bernard’s School considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.


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