Executive Assistant to the Principal (Temporary Position; Begins As Soon as Possible through February 2027)

Executive Assistant to the Principal (Temporary Position; Begins As Soon as Possible through February 2027)

Job Summary:
Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the school currently enrolls 940 students and employs 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”

We are currently seeking a temporary Executive Assistant to the Principal, a highly visible position responsible for ensuring the completion of all day-to-day administrative and clerical tasks related to the Office of the Principal. The Executive Assistant must be extremely detail oriented and efficient, have excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills and be able to thrive in a fast-paced, team-based environment with discretion and confidentiality. Flexibility to work overtime is a must.

This position begins in early November 2026 (exact date TBD) and will end on or around February 26, 2027.

Essential Functions:

• Provide administrative assistance to the Principal including calendar management, proofreading and drafting correspondence, preparing meeting materials and presentations, etc.
• Provide Board of Trustees with administrative assistance particularly in communications and meeting organization and support
• Manage logistical details for Principal’s meetings, appointments and travel as requested
• Assume responsibility for Principal’s special research and other projects, including staffing for evening speaker events and organizing school assemblies
• Manage the budget of the Principal and necessary administrative and office expenses
• Respond to a variety of inquiries that the Office of the Principal receives
• Work collaboratively and facilitate good communication with other administrative offices, faculty, parents and others
• Serve as a liaison between the Principal and the community, including peer schools, accrediting organizations and local government entities
• Establish, maintain and update filing systems and keep accurate records
• Manage multiple projects without losing attention to detail
• Organize and prioritize large volumes of information and phone calls
• Maintain a comfortable, reassuring, and supportive attitude and atmosphere for faculty, staff, students, parents, and visitors
• Anticipate actions needed to support the work of the Principal
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience supporting a Principal, CEO, CFO or other Executive
• At a minimum, the knowledge and skill level equivalent to that which would normally be acquired through the completion of a college degree
• A high level of interpersonal skills, poise, tact and diplomacy Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive situations and confidential materials
• Strong attention to detail in composing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines
• A self-starter that not only seeks out work, but is able to anticipate the needs of the Principal
• Tech proficiency in Google Suite, MS Office, specifically Word, Excel and Powerpoint, and AI (e.g. Gemini)
• Ability to interact well with students in grades JK-12, faculty, staff, administration and parents

Compensation:
$35-38 per hour (commensurate on experience); this position is not eligible for benefits.

To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter with a resume (no telephone inquiries please).

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.