Manager of Administrative and Strategic Initiatives

Position Summary The Manager of Administrative and Strategic Initiatives is a critical member of the Head of School’s leadership team and executes the directives of the Head of School. This role translates the Head of School's vision into coordinated action across all divisions and departments supporting the attainment of the goals and objectives of Laurel School’s Strategic Plan. The Manager of Administrative and Strategic Initiatives anticipates institutional needs, prioritizes critical issues, manages major initiatives, and acts as a trusted proxy to ensure the efficient operation of the Head’s Office. The Manager of Administrative and Strategic Initiatives is responsible for coordinating major initiatives out of the Head of School’s office. This role operates as a senior strategic partner working towards ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the Head’s Office. Description The Manager of Administrative and Strategic Initiatives is a critical member of the Head of School’s leadership team and executes the directives of the Head of School. This role translates the Head of School's vision into coordinated action across all divisions and departments supporting the attainment of the goals and objectives of Laurel School’s Strategic Plan. The Manager of Administrative and Strategic Initiatives anticipates institutional needs, prioritizes critical issues, manages major initiatives, and acts as a trusted proxy to ensure the efficient operation of the Head’s Office. The Manager of Administrative and Strategic Initiatives is responsible for coordinating major initiatives out of the Head of School’s office. This role operates as a senior strategic partner working towards ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the Head’s Office. Essential Job Functions Office Strategy & Institutional Operations Partners with the leadership team to advance the school's educational mission, supporting cross-functional strategic planning, policy development, and project execution. Leads or assists with special initiatives. Coordinates, documents, communicates and oversees long-range planning, retreats, partner contracts, and special initiatives emerging from the Head’s Office. Collaborates to manage daily operations of the Head of School’s Office, including institutional budget tracking and analysis year over year, analytical reporting, and partnership with leadership in setting the official academic calendar. Collaborates with staff on special initiatives. Assists and communicates with school leadership in decision making, project/program management and implementation of special initiatives. Runs reports, performs analysis, identifies trends, and provides data to the Head of School. Board of Trustees & Constituency Relations Manages all Board of Trustees logistics, serving as the resident expert for Boardspot or similar applications, handling sensitive governance communications, and planning trustee events. Serves as an institutional liaison and point of contact for the Head’s Office with external partners such as parents, trustees, employee groups, local and internal organizations as needed. In partnership with the applicable staff, performs crisis and communications triage. Performs screening inquiries, manages complex executive schedules, and partners with staff on internal and external messaging. Team Dynamics & Institutional Effectiveness Partners with the Auxiliaries Team to design and execute high-profile events falling within the purview of the Head’s Office. Identifies and implements procedures to strengthen administrative support roles across the School. Manages assigned staff members as needed, fostering professional development through regular performance management, constructive feedback, and mentorship to ensure high standards of excellence and operational efficiency. Evaluates and streamlines internal workflows and administrative processes to enhance operational efficiency, reduce redundancy, and improve cross-departmental collaboration. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Qualifications & Competencies Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor's Degree in Education, Organizational Leadership, or a related field. Masters Degree is preferred. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in executive administration, operations, project management, or school administration, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting. Technical Proficiency: Proven expertise in Google Workspace, Zoom functionality, database management, and emerging AI tools. Ability and willingness to incorporate evolving tech and workflow protocols. Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Organizational Savvy: Expert knowledge of systems, emerging AI tools, budgets, data analysis, and regulatory compliance (Federal, State, and CCIS). Executive Communication: Exceptional oral and written skills with a demonstrated ability to interpret and explain complex rules and policies precisely and tactfully. Discernment & Ethics: A strong ethical core capable of managing highly confidential data and navigating complex community dynamics with patience and courtesy. Results Orientation: A resourceful, creative self-starter who works constructively under the Head's guidance while maintaining the authority to supervise assigned staff and drive projects to completion. #J-18808-Ljbffr Laurel School