Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Join Our Team: Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV):
ITAV is a beacon for how to educate and love Black children. We provide a comprehensive, culturally responsive social justice education and life-empowering social services. At ITAV, learning is fun and transformative, teaching is innovative, and knowledge is not bound by the walls of the classroom. Students, staff, and families are empowered to be civically engaged and make positive change by addressing local, national, and global issues.  

Role:
The Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) plays a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the CEO’s office. This position requires a highly resourceful individual with excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate needs and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment. Serving as the primary point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, the Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the CEO while representing ITAV’s mission and values with professionalism and discretion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management:

• Assist the CEO in the planning, execution, and monitoring of special projects, ensuring deadlines are met and project objectives are achieved.

• Track progress on key initiatives and provide regular updates to the CEO, identifying potential issues and proposing solutions as needed.

• Provide support by organizing and managing project-related documentation, ensuring all files are up-to-date and accessible.

Event Planning and Coordination: 

• Plan and coordinate internal and external events, including meetings, conferences, and workshops. Ensuring all logistical details are managed effectively. 

• Collaborate with other team members to ensure events are executed seamlessly, including handling venue selection, catering, AV needs, and guest communications 

Relationship Management: 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, community leaders, and partners, to support the CEO's networking and engagement efforts.

• Assist in the preparation of materials for board meetings, donor presentations, and other high-profile engagements to support the CEO's strategic objectives. 

• Manage contact lists and track interactions to ensure follow-up and continuity in stakeholder relationships.

Office Management and Operational Support:

• Maintain office systems, supplies, and processes to support the smooth functioning of the CEO's office, 

• Coordinate with other executive assistants and departments to ensure cross-organizational efficiency

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of workflow and productivity across the executive team. 

Administrative Support: 

• Manage the CEO's complex and dynamic calendar, scheduling meetings, travel, and events to optimize time and priorities

• Prepare, edit, and distribute correspondence, agendas, reports, and presentations, often handling confidential and sensitive information 

• Anticipate the needs of the CEO and proactively provide information, briefings, and materials for meetings and events. 

• Conserve the CEO's time by handling inquiries, drafting correspondence, and filtering communications effectively. 

Communication and Liaison:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications on behalf of the CEO, including screening calls, emails, and other correspondence.

• Coordinate communication between the CEO and other departments, stakeholders, and external partners to facilitate seamless information flow and collaboration.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to support the CEO's engagement and networking efforts.

• Prepare and handle confidential and sensitive information with utmost discretion and professionalism.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Play a key role in supporting leadership that drives transformative education and social justice.

• Growth: Be part of a forward-thinking organization with opportunities for professional development and advancement.

• Community: Collaborate with passionate individuals in a vibrant, mission-driven environment.

• Innovation: Contribute to an educational model that integrates community engagement, academic excellence, and equity.

Locations: ITAV Leadership Academy - Bronzeville (Chicago, IL)

Position Type: Full-time, occasional evening or weekend work required.

Salary: $55,000 - $70,000
Please note: This position may be tied to grant funding 

Required Education & Training:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience as an executive assistant or in a similar administrative role, preferably supporting senior executives in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with project management and communication tools (e.g., Asana, Slack, Zoom).
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information and sensitive matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to ITAV’s mission and values, with a passion for supporting educational and social justice initiatives. 

Who Are You:

• You have excellent leadership and communication skills that translate to all audiences, including staff members, students, parents, and vendors.
• You are an adept manager with a talent for multitasking, flexibility, and working collaboratively within teams to achieve common goals.
• You are a resourceful and innovative problem-solver, skilled at navigating complex community dynamics and effectively addressing multifaceted challenges to drive positive change.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're inspired to make a lasting impact in the lives of young children and their families, we invite you to apply to become an integral part of ITAV’s transformative journey. To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter, detailing how your background, skills, and passions align with our mission and this role.

Compensation and Benefits Package:

• 80% employer contribution of medical benefits
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 3% 401(k) company match
• Up to $10,000 in annual tuition assistance 
• Targeted, ongoing professional development
• Opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact