Administrative Assistant to the Head of Early Learning 

The Elisabeth Morrow School (EMS), a leader in education from early childhood through middle school, seeks a dynamic, personable, and motivated self-starter to become the administrative assistant to the lower school head.  

Reporting to the head of early learning, the administrative assistant will work in a fast-paced atmosphere where no two days are alike. The ability to think on your feet and manage multiple projects while at the same time interacting with students and parents, organizing events, assisting in scheduling, maintaining time records for employees, and providing ongoing executive support for the division head are among the required duties. A high degree of professionalism and discretion is required in this role. Technological skills are necessary to support a busy office and help boost productivity among staff. Flexibility and proficiency in various web-based tools, including the Google suite of products, Dropbox, and Adobe Acrobat, are essential. Familiarity with Canva, SchoolPass, Constant Contact, Blackbaud, and Magnus Health is a plus.  A willingness to learn new systems and programs is required.

Responsibilities

• Greet students, families, and guests respectfully and professionally, and be guided by the school’s mission.
• Foster a positive, welcoming, and caring climate in the lobby.
• Ensure that building safety protocols and procedures are followed at all times.
• Consistently exhibit high standards of professional conduct.
• Ensure that all shared and public spaces are tidy, organized and presentable at all times.
• Act as primary liaison between diverse members of the EMS community, including faculty, staff, administration, families, and students.
• Ensure that faculty have access to regularly used supplies. 
• Provide executive support in a high-volume work environment that includes managing schedules, calendars, correspondence and announcements; securing substitute teachers; and maintaining student records.
• Oversee any students who are seated in the lobby during any given day for a variety of reasons.
• Support a smooth dismissal of students by providing up-to-date information about student dismissal plans/changes to teachers and the director of auxiliary programs.
• Keep teachers regularly informed of staffing changes and adjustments.
• Support teachers with projects by organizing lunches, snacks, and coffees for speakers, faculty events, and family events.
• Assist in organizing and implementing Back-to-School Night and other divisional events, from the start through clean-up.
• Communicate with the maintenance and custodial  teams regarding repairs and janitorial-related issues.
• Coordinate substitute coverage and provide timesheets to the business office. 
• Track teacher absences and communicate information to the head of early learning.
• Assist teachers in completing forms, including class trips and bus forms, and coordinate trips.
• Support the division head in maintaining classroom and divisional budgets.
• Analyze operational problems, develop sufficient solutions, and interact seamlessly with all levels of staff.
• Anticipate needs and make recommendations to the division head to avoid problematic situations.
• Coordinate family mailings.
• Submit workshop and professional development forms for teachers to the business office.
• Prepare class lists and schedules for classrooms, specials classes, and the whole division.
• Make appointments for the division head and arrange meetings.
• Place supply and snack orders for the Chilton House building.
• Work with vendors to oversee the delivery of lunch.
• Establish and maintain solid working relationships with other employees, students, and the general public.
• Perform duties as assigned by the head of school.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated proactive, self-starter who takes initiative and acts with a sense of urgency to get things done; strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Essential Qualifications

• College degree required. 
• Experience working in an independent school or non-profit organization is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting members of executive leadership
• Experience interacting with various organizational levels from a customer-centric approach and effectively representing senior leadership.

Schedule Requirements

The individual in this role will support standard operation hours, Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and professional development and faculty/staff meetings every Monday until 4:30 p.m. Occasional attendance at school-related functions is required outside of these regular hours. In addition, coordinating substitute teacher coverage may need to be coordinated outside of work hours. 

Compensation 

This is a full-time position with a benefits and compensation package that is competitive for the region. The salary range for this position is of $55,000 to $70,000. Final salary is commensurate with experience, degree attainment, and the national independent school market.

Incentives

We aren’t just a school; we are a community. Feeling supported in your professional development and growth is one of the greatest benefits we offer our staff. Of course, we provide traditional benefits, too:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
• Life Insurance and Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Coverage
• Tuition Remission for Employee’s Children (EMS’ School and/or Camps)
• Generous Vacation Policy

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to lmactas@elisabethmorow.org with the subject “Administrative Assistant to Head of Early Learning.”

Who We Are

At The Elisabeth Morrow School, located 10 minutes from the George Washington Bridge in Englewood, N.J., children’s natural curiosity grows into a lifelong love of learning. Our exemplary curriculum features innovative programming in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), a nationally renowned instrumental music program, social-emotional learning, and community-wide core values.

Proud to be one of the most diverse independent schools in the country, we seek qualified candidates who will add to this legacy. We are committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees.

The Elisabeth Morrow School is a member of the Independent School Admissions Association of Greater

New York (ISAAGNY), the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS), and the National

Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). For more information, visit elisabethmorrow.org.

About The Elisabeth Morrow School

The Elisabeth Morrow School’s shared purpose is to provide exemplary academics and character development in a diverse and inclusive child-centered community, inspiring students to become curious scholars, ethical leaders, and global citizens.

Connections working at The Elisabeth Morrow School