Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Westerly School Committee

Job Summary: Serving as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and the Westerly School Committee this pivotal role manages high-level correspondence coordinates district-wide communications maintains official records and prepares key reports. The ideal candidate exercises exceptional discretion with sensitive district matters upholds strict confidentiality and handles related administrative duties as required.

Responsibilities:

• Public Records Coordination: Serve as the primary Access to Public Records Act (APRA) Coordinator for the district. Responsible for receiving logging tracking and processing all public records requests in compliance with statutory deadlines. Collaborate closely with legal counsel district leadership and department heads to review redact and fulfill requests while maintaining strict legal compliance and confidentiality.
• Executive & School Committee Support: Act as the primary administrative support to the Superintendent and School Committee; attend all School Committee meetings (including executive sessions) and accurately record official minutes.
• Calendar & Communication Management: Manage the Superintendents calendar schedule appointments screen phone calls and greet visitors resolving inquiries independently whenever possible.
• Correspondence & Reporting: Review incoming correspondence; independently draft edit and compose high-level communications presentations and reports for the Superintendents signature.
• Meeting Coordination: Oversee the end-to-end operational support for all School Committee meetings workshops and executive sessions. Prepare official School Committee agendas compile comprehensive backup materials and coordinate with staff to ensure all items are submitted in a timely manner.
• Records Retention: Maintain accurate organized and secure district records including official meeting minutes correspondence and district policies.
• Community Relations: Act as a primary professional liaison representing the Superintendents office and School Committee to staff families municipal officials and the broader community. Manage routine and sensitive inquiries with diplomacy ensuring clear communication appropriate escalation and positive public engagement.

Key Competencies & Technical Skills

• Confidentiality: Proven ability to maintain strict confidence regarding personnel matters and sensitive district information.
• Public Administration: Familiarity with the principles of public administration school district operations and School Committee policies.
• Communication Mastery: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience writing correspondence newsletters press releases and posting website/social media content.
• Technical Proficiency: Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel PowerPoint) and Google Workspace. Experience managing automated office equipment (multi-line phones scanners USPS postage meters) is required.
• Financial & Process Management: Oversee the administrative and financial workflows of the Superintendents office and School Committee. Process purchase orders track departmental expenditures reconcile credit card statements and assist in budget preparation in accordance with district procurement policies.
• Interpersonal Skills: Maintain an approachable service-oriented presence when handling telephone inquiries greeting official guests and representing the executive office. Through strong interpersonal skills cultivate positive working relationships across all district schools department staff municipal leaders and the broader community.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• 1 to 3 years of professional administrative experience in municipal state or federal government or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education:
• A High School Diploma or equivalent is required; an Associates Degree is preferred. Candidates should possess a strong foundational background in formal administrative practices secretarial principles and office management.
• Certification:
• Maintaining an annual APRA certification is required.
• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) or Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) preferred.

Westerly Public School District is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race color sex religion sexual orientation national origin disability genetic information pregnancy or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal state or local laws.

Required Experience:

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