Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Bronx, NY
Middle and Upper Schools – Administration /
Full Time /
On-site
Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect that belonging is the foundational core of community building in how we work collaboratively and support the school’s mission and empowers all community members to thrive in mind, character, and community. Riverdale enrolls about 1,300 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes.
We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community.
Position Summary:
The Executive Assistant to the Head of School serves as a key representative of the Head, fostering strong relationships and facilitating effective communication with departments across the school to ensure alignment with the Head’s vision and priorities. In addition to providing high-level administrative support to the Head of School and serving as a central point of coordination for school leadership operations, the Executive Assistant serves as a trusted thought partner, working hand-in-hand with the Head to advance the school's vision and priorities. Specifically, this position will serve as the project coordinator for key School-wide initiatives in support of the School’s strategic planning agenda, under the direction of the Head of School. They will act as a liaison and support person for the work of the Leadership Team, arranging agendas and meetings, and ensuring follow-up to agenda items. Additionally, this role is responsible for preparing and processing confidential documents including employment contracts, coordinating board and leadership meetings, managing the Head of School’s calendar, drafting communications, and supporting cross-campus and cross-departmental dialogue.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Administrative Management
- Supports the Head of School in prioritizing initiatives, requests, and meeting invitations by filtering and assessing urgency, alignment with strategic goals, and potential impact. Recommend office procedures and systems; research and analyze routine administrative projects for the Office; prepare first draft reports on routine administrative matters.
- Manage a complex and dynamic calendar for the Head of School, including scheduling internal and external meetings, events, travel, and deadlines.
- Prepare agendas, materials, and follow-up documentation for meetings, including Board of Trustees and leadership team meetings.
- Screen Head of School’s mail, e-mail, voice mail, and appointments using judgment and knowledge; route people and correspondence to the Head’s Leadership Team for handling.
- Provides rapid-response support during time-sensitive or crisis situations, helping to manage communications, coordinate logistics, and ensure the Head of School remains well-informed and responsive.
- Employment Contract and Document Management in coordination with the Human Resources and Business Offices
- Prepare, issue, and track employment contracts and other confidential HR-related documents for new and returning faculty and staff in coordination with the Business Office and Human Resources.
- Ensure all documents are reviewed, signed, and archived in accordance with school policy and legal requirements.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date personnel files for staff under the purview of the Head of School’s Office.
- Office and Communication Support
- Serve as the first point of contact for the Head of School’s Office, screening and triaging inquiries with a high level of discretion and responsiveness.
- Draft, proofread, and format confidential communications, presentations, and reports.
- Coordinate special projects and initiatives on behalf of the Head of School, ensuring timely execution and follow-up.
- Draft reports and meeting minutes on behalf of the Head of School.
- Board and Leadership Partnership
- Coordinate logistics for Board of Trustees meetings, including scheduling, room setup, document distribution, and minute-taking as needed.
- Manage annual leadership calendars, key milestone events, and communications in collaboration with division heads and administrative departments.
- Other Duties:
- Assist in the planning and execution of major school events, such as opening meetings, all-staff gatherings, and leadership retreats.
- Maintain records, policies, and documents relevant to school governance and accreditation.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of school-wide administrative needs.
Qualifications:
- Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.5+ years of experience in an executive assistant, chief of staff, or senior-level administrative role.
- Proven experience managing executive calendars and handling confidential information with discretion.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and digital filing systems.
- Preferred:
- Familiarity with HR processes such as contract administration or onboarding workflows.
- Comfort with project management tools or database systems (e.g., Veracross, Panda Doc, and Asana).
- Core Competencies:
- Professionalism and discretion in all interactions and communications
- High attention to detail and accuracy, with an ability to anticipate potential issues
- Sound judgment, willingness to take initiative, and problem-solving skills
- Flexibility, adaptability, and unflappability under pressure
- Collaborative mindset in working with diverse stakeholders
- Maintain a sense of humor balanced with a seriousness of purpose
$120,000 - $140,000 a year
To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter. If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us. For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.
Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School
Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:
Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.
Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).
Sabbatical: Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.
Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance. In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.
Retirement: Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA. The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.
Vacation: Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.
