Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer
14 days ago
Washington
Job Description Sidwell Friends School is a dynamic pre-kindergarten through grade 12 educational community, on campuses in Bethesda, Maryland, and Washington, DC. Sidwell is grounded in Quaker values of ethical leadership, global citizenship, environmental stewardship, and service. Through our curriculum and our approach to learning, we strive to help students discern deeper truths about themselves and our common humanity so that they may “let their lives speak.” Sidwell Friends will open a new Upper School for grades 9-12 in September 2026. It will be the largest building on campus and will feature state-of-the art facilities, welcoming common spaces, and natural light throughout. The current Lower School, in Bethesda, Maryland, has been separated from the rest of the Sidwell campus for more than 60 years. Starting in the summer of 2026, Sidwell Friends will begin construction of a new Lower School that will incorporate parts of the existing Upper School, with significant additions and modifications to accommodate the needs of our youngest students. The new Lower School, along with the creation of a new central green space that will unite the campus, will open in the fall of 2028. Position Overview The Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer (“CFO&COO”) provides executive support to the CFO&COO as well as administrative support to the Business Office team of Sidwell Friends School. They manage projects that support a variety of financial, operational, and strategic planning initiatives. In addition, this position has the routine responsibilities of liaising with trustees, senior administrators, School employees and external constituencies, while performing a variety of administrative duties. This role must always maintain the utmost level of confidentiality & discretion. Key Responsibilities For the CFO&COO: • Heavy calendar management, coordination of meetings, travel coordination and expense report preparation, • Coordination of meetings (via Zoom or in person) for direct reports (weekly), stakeholders across campus, group meetings (as needed), with preparation/distribution of agendas, minutes, and other materials to attendees as appropriate, • As directed, provide administrative and/or special project support, as well as perform certain accounting duties as needed and time allows, • Maintain inventories and keep areas fully stocked: office supplies and kitchen refreshment items, • Heavy paper and electronic flow management, including phone, email and hardcopy documentation; ability to maintain, organize and retrieve files quickly and seamlessly, • Compile, compose, edit, proofread, and distribute a variety of paperwork, which may include PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, memos, emails, correspondence, policies, reports, requisitions, applications, travel authorizations, pay-related documents, and/or other related items, • Process all office mail, check requests, and credit card reconciliations on behalf of the CFO&COO, • Liaise with internal stakeholders to coordinate the completion of school-wide annual surveys with national and regional membership associations, • Bachelor’s degree required, • Minimum of five (5) years’ prior experience as an executive assistant to a senior executive is required, • Be personable and warm and have a good sense of humor, • Must be able to use judgment, diplomacy and discretion whenever appropriate, • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English as well as interpersonal skills are a must, • An excellent ability to recall stakeholders by name and their relationship to the School, • Excellent organizational and administrative skills with special attention to detail and a keen understanding of what should be escalated and the appropriate timing for such escalation, • Excellent research & analytical skills as well as problem solving ability, • The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly self-motivated, professional, reliable, flexible, takes initiative, and can manage their workload, prioritizing and performing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. The candidate needs the ability to work with minimal supervision and with commitment to deadlines, as well as an ability to work efficiently and quickly under pressure., • Advanced computer skills (MS Office 365 applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Experience with project management software a plus., • Prior experience working with a Board of Trustees and/or Board appointed committees, • Readiness to interact with a variety of people and assume diverse duties and tasks; and demonstrate willingness and ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively, as part of a team, • Well-honed problem solving and research skills for finding a variety of data Sidwell Friends School offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well-being, and long-term financial security. Benefits include multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; school-paid life and long-term disability insurance; wellness programs; and flexible spending accounts. Sidwell contributes 7% of gross salary to a 403(b) retirement plan, with a 3% employee contribution, along with generous paid time off including school breaks, federal holidays, personal days, and paid family leave. Additional benefits include free lunch and parking, public transportation support, access to campus facilities, childcare and summer program discounts, and other community-focused resources. Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000 per year To Apply To be considered, qualified candidates must upload a cover letter, resume, and three references through our applicant tracking system (ClearCo). To learn more about our school and current openings, please visit our website. Diversity Statement Sidwell Friends School affirms the centrality of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of academic and campus life. Honoring a multiplicity of voices, we celebrate shared joys and address tensions productively. Together, we are guided by Quaker testimonies and seek to answer the question, “How do we nurture a sense of belonging in our community and demonstrate our commitment to a just world?"