Special Assistant To The Chief Schools Officer

Job Description
The Special Assistant directly supports the Chief Schools Officer (CSO), K-8 and their team. They manage key projects, programs and systems aligned to K-8 CSO core work and initiatives, while also providing key administrative support to ensure the Office of the CSO operates and communicates as efficiently as possible. The Special Assistant reports directly to the CSO's Chief of Staff and works regularly with the Chief Schools Officers’ teams, School Leaders, Cross-Regional Operations and Uncommon Schools’ Home Office Staff.
Location is flexible between Newark and NYC;
travel between regions or to retreat locations may be required about 1-2 times monthly.
Duties &
Responsibilities
Project and Program Management
Project manage and operationalize select CSO organization-wide initiatives per year;
including building and managing the project plan, owning implementation, monitoring budget and executionProjects/programs include:
Lead from Within, Mid-year evaluation processes, Instructional Leader Information Nights, cross-team Culture Initiatives
Drive, execute and support key components of initiatives led by partnering or regional teamsIncludes owning Leader Awards Ceremony at the Leadership Development Retreat and supporting regional events (i.E. Regional Ubuntu ceremonies)
Additional special projects as assigned
Systems and People Management
Develop and manage key processes to support school management and the CSO Office:
Support a team (Regional Schools Coordinators) to continuously build and maintain systems to support their Regional Superintendents of Instruction through monthly meetings
Manage stakeholders on projects laterally and above, including partnering across multiple leaders, teams, and regions for execution
Manage to K-8 CSO and Regional Superintendent budgets including attending quarterly budget meetings, drafting annual budget and setting internal team guidelines to ensure spending aligns to budget
Communications and Content Creation
Lead communications with key partners and leaders by writing and editing email correspondence and other written materials on behalf of the CSO.
Prepare agendas, materials and logistics, and own note taking for CSO-led meetings
Create content for owned projects, programs and meetings
Administrative Support
Ensure the CSO’s time is maximized and aligned with the organization’s priorities by expertly managing the CSO’s calendar through prioritization of appointments, efficient booking of travel, and arranging in-person and virtual meetings.
Track and deliver daily CSO briefs and weekly calendar to support the CSO’s schedule, action items, and meeting preparation
Perform general administrative duties, including preparing and handling expense reimbursements
Improve current operations and processes within the CSO office to efficiently allocate resources and time
Support in shaping a joyful staff culture within the CSO's team and/or school and Home Office leaders