Executive Assistant to the CEO (Level I/II)

12-Month Position

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Position Summary

The Executive Assistant to the CEO serves as a high-level strategic partner responsible for supporting the effectiveness, efficiency, and execution of the Chief Executive Officer's leadership agenda at North Lawndale College Prep. This role provides advanced executive support, manages complex administrative and organizational operations, and ensures seamless coordination across internal teams, governance structures, and external stakeholders.

The Executive Assistant acts as a critical liaison between the CEO and the Board of Directors, school leadership teams, staff, families, community partners, and external stakeholders. The position plays a key role in ensuring organizational alignment, clear communication, and the timely execution of strategic priorities and initiatives.

Key responsibilities include managing the CEO's complex calendar and scheduling needs, coordinating meetings and events, preparing agendas and supporting materials, drafting correspondence, tracking action items, and facilitating follow-up on organizational priorities. The Executive Assistant also supports Board relations, executive communications, and special projects while maintaining the highest level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.

This position requires exceptional administrative and organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven educational environment. The ideal candidate is proactive, resourceful, highly organized, and capable of managing competing priorities with a high degree of autonomy and professionalism.

At the Level I/II designation, the position may vary in scope and complexity. Level I focuses on providing high-quality executive administrative support and coordination, while Level II assumes greater responsibility for project management, executive communications, cross-functional coordination, and independent decision-making in support of organizational objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Leadership Support

• Manage and strategically prioritize the CEO's calendar, meetings, travel, and daily executive workflow.
• Anticipate executive needs and proactively manage competing priorities, scheduling conflicts, and time optimization.
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials, agendas, reports, presentations, and decision-support documents for executive meetings.
• Coordinate and streamline communication between the CEO and internal and external stakeholders.
• Support confidential and sensitive executive, personnel, and organizational matters with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.

Organizational & Governance Operations

• Coordinate Board of Directors meetings, executive leadership meetings, retreats, and strategic planning sessions.
• Prepare agendas, meeting packets, minutes, action items, and follow-up documentation to ensure accountability and execution.
• Track organizational priorities, deliverables, and follow-through on leadership commitments.
• Support cross-functional coordination across departments to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Maintain executive-level organizational systems, records, and operational documentation.

Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Draft, edit, and manage executive-level communications, presentations, and correspondence.
• Serve as a key liaison between the CEO and Board members, staff, families, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure timely, professional, and clear communication across all levels of the organization.
• Support the development and dissemination of internal and external organizational messaging.

Systems, Technology & Operational Management

• Manage and optimize executive workflows using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, scheduling platforms, and project management tools.
• Maintain secure and organized digital filing systems and executive records.
• Support data organization, documentation systems, and operational tracking tools.
• Identify and implement efficiencies in administrative and operational processes.

Event, Project & Logistics Coordination

• Lead coordination of executive meetings, Board events, leadership retreats, and schoolwide strategic events.
• Manage end-to-end logistics including scheduling, materials preparation, communication, and on-site execution.
• Track timelines, deliverables, and project milestones tied to executive priorities.
• Ensure seamless execution of high-visibility organizational events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of executive-level administrative or chief-of-staff style support experience.
• Experience supporting C-level leadership in education, nonprofit, government, or corporate environments strongly preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced organizational, project management, and prioritization skills.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• High proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in high-pressure, fast-moving environments.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Executive presence and professionalism
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving ability
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously
• Strong project management and execution skills
• Customer-service orientation with internal and external stakeholders
• Commitment to equity, excellence, and mission-driven work
• Strong systems thinking and operational discipline

Leadership Competencies

• Executive Partnership & Strategic Support
• Organizational Coordination & Execution
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
• Systems Thinking & Operational Excellence
• Confidentiality, Trust, & Professional Judgment
• Project Management & Accountability
• Technology & Workflow Optimization
• Equity-Centered Practice

Conditions of Employment

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Compliance with all ISBE regulations, board policies, and relevant educational laws.