Overview

Overview

Ascend is seeking a highly organized, self-starter to work with Ascend’s chief schools officer (CSO). The ideal candidate must thrive in a fast-paced, energetic environment and relish building systems and structures that create a high-performing organization.

The special assistant to the CSO will be responsible for coordinating operations of the executive team and for providing diverse and complex support services. They will lead the planning and execution of meetings, manage busy executive calendars and email, and connect the dots that inform Ascend’s strategic and daily agenda. They will also design, manage, and execute special projects related to the advancement of Ascend’s strategic initiatives or executive projects.

At Ascend, we care deeply about our scholars and ensure that all children have access to a rigorous, quality education built within a supportive learning environment. Join us as we foster innate curiosities, encourage discussion and debate, and guide students to think their own way through to answers.

Why join Ascend Public Charter Schools?

Ascend is a network of K-12 public charter schools serving 5,700 students across 15 schools in Central Brooklyn. Our mission is to lead our students on a great intellectual journey, providing them with an exceptional education and placing them firmly on the path to success in college and beyond.

We guide our students to think critically and independently and to enjoy education as an end in itself. We teach a rich and rigorous liberal arts curriculum that nurtures students’ natural curiosity about the world. We foster a positive, non-punitive school culture where students feel connected, empowered, and safe to take academic risks. Even our school buildings are designed to reflect our high aspirations for teaching and learning and the notable accomplishments that occur within our walls.

To create this kind of vibrant learning community, we invest heavily in our team members by providing ongoing, best-of-class professional training and support. We encourage them to collaborate closely and push one another to achieve great outcomes.

You can learn more about the Ascend approach by visiting our website.

Responsibilities

Working in partnership with the chief schools officer, the special assistant to the CSO will:

  • work integrally with the leadership team, supporting them in the planning, execution, and follow up for weekly leadership team meetings, monthly all-staff meetings, and other leadership learning and communication forums;
  • with the CSO, support the planning, material preparation, execution, and follow-up for the regular team meetings;
  • coordinate and manage executive leaders’ busy calendars, and provide other administrative supports to ensure that leadership time is effectively leveraged;
  • screen, follow-up, and when appropriate, respond to emails, mail and telephone calls on behalf of the chief schools officer and chief curriculum and instruction officer;
  • manage special projects as required that necessitate understanding of the organization, its goals, and direction to effectively implement;
  • develop relationships with key stakeholders within and outside Ascend, representing the office of the CSO with professionalism and knowledge;
  • serve as a partner to support the systems and structures that lend to a robust administrative backbone at the network office;
  • listen to the needs of others, respond and adapt, and build relationships of trust across diverse teams;
  • draft confidential correspondence, edit documents, take meeting minutes, and perform other administrative duties
  • coordinate operations of the executive team ensuring the officers function effectively and efficiently;
  • identify and take the lead on critical issues that require the attention of the officer’s team; and maintain confidentiality on all matters;
  • plan and execute special events; and
  • performs other duties, as needed.

Reporting Relationships and Team

The special assistant will report directly to the chief schools officer and collaborate closely with other members of the officer’s table.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum of four (4) years of relevant administrative or education space experience preferred
  • Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Google Suite; comfort in learning and leveraging new technology
  • Clear, concise, and accurate written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated integrity and discretion
  • High attention to detail, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency, accuracy and professionalism
  • Flexible to troubleshoot and handle matters after business hours as necessary
  • Exceptional organizational, time management and planning skills; ability to backward plan and set and achieve priorities while working with multiple team members and competing priorities
  • Strong partnering, rapport-building, and relationship management skill across a wide range of stakeholders
  • Ability to balance teamwork with self-direction and drive to solve practical problems and deliver results
  • A team player with a positive attitude and the ability to work independently

Diversity at Ascend

Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.

Compensation

Ascend offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Please visit www.ascendcharterschools.org/careers to learn more about the benefits of working at Ascend.

Ascend’s Vaccination Policy Statement

To prevent the infection and spread of COVID-19, and protect the health and safety of staff, students, family members, interns, volunteers, and visitors to Ascend’s premises from COVID-19 infection, Ascend requires all staff to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated for the coronavirus. This policy is mandatory except for staff with a documented medical or religious reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

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