The Calhoun School, a progressive Pre-K through 12th grade institution in New York City, seeks a Director of Strategic Projects and Board Relations. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Strategic Projects and Board Relations work closely with community members to streamline, facilitate, and achieve strategic goals set by the Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.

Overall Qualifications:

The Director of Strategic Projects and Board Relations demonstrates capacity to manage strategic projects for the Head of School office and Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate is team-oriented with good judgment and decision-making skills; demonstrates hands-on leadership and management style; works independently with minimal direction.

The position requires strong attention to detail, organization, time management and multi-tasking skills, and the ability to shift priorities as necessary. The desired candidate should demonstrate the ability to interact comfortably and effectively with senior administrators, trustees, faculty, staff, families, students, and vendors. They must posses excellent verbal, written, technological, analytical and presentation skills and is expected to handle highly confidential matters with integrity and discretion. 

The Director of Strategic Projects and Board Relations will be leading in the areas below:

Project Management

Work with directors and team leaders to manage and coordinate interdepartmental and school-wide key strategic projects. Communicate consistently and clearly with project stakeholders to ensure momentum to develop and actualize solutions. Serve as the “glue” for a dynamic and high-functioning senior leadership team of 8 fantastic educational leaders.

• Institutional Initiatives: serve as liaison with HoS, Senior Leadership Team, and all constituents engaged in annual school-wide initiatives 

• Represent the Head of School, as needed, across constituencies, including administrative meetings, school events, and board committee meetings

• Ensure compliance with the NYS Department of Education, NY State Association of Independent Schools, and various state, national, and federal agencies in submission of annual documentation

• NYSAIS Accreditation – coordinate Self-Study and Steering Committee, handle all related logistics

• Administrative Searches – Manage administrative searches. Coordinate scheduling with search firms, search committees, and finalist interviews on campus.

Board Relations

Work with HOS and Board Chair to engage the Board of Trustees, ensuring the school’s mission and strategic plan are upheld and meetings are strategic and productive. 

• Facilitate effective project management between the board of trustees and the senior leadership team. Present regularly in board meetings regarding strategic initiative benchmarks and progress.

• Schedule meeting dates and agendas for the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and Board sub-committees meetings.  Attend and take minutes at Board and committee meetings.

• Manage the Board of Trustees website and communication content. Maintain trustee database and Board By-Laws, and track trustee compliance with required conflict of interest and confidentiality forms. 

• Work with the Committee on Trustees and Governance to conduct evaluations of the Board, and establish a matrix for identifying and recruiting potential trustees. 

• Organize annual Board orientation to successfully onboard new trustees. Plan Board retreats for determining and implementing strategic initiatives. 

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY WORK

Calhoun is committed to addressing issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and anti-bias education in our curriculum and in our community. Employees must be willing learners and participants in supporting this work.

Calhoun is committed to recruiting, hiring and supporting a diverse staff and welcomes applicants of all gender, sexuality, religious, ethnic, racial and cultural identities. Calhoun does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of one’s actual or perceived race; color; religion; sex/gender (including gender identity); creed; sexual orientation; marital status; pregnancy; ethnicity; national origin; ancestry; age; disability.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 4 year Bachelor's Degree 

• comfort and desire to engage with children, teachers, staff, and families in a relational, community-oriented environment

• Demonstrated experience using the following systems: G-Suite, MS Office, FinalSite, Blackbaud.

• Experience with multiple databases and other dedicated software programs is a plus. 

• Helpful but not required – Desire to teach, coach or serve as a student advisor