ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .
Job Posting End Date:
08-08-2026
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
First consideration will be given to applications submitted through July 24, 2026.
The Executive Assistant III supports the Chief Operating Officer and the Division of Operations. This position involves confidential administrative, secretarial/ clerical work at the executive level and performs a variety of complex administrative, secretarial, and clerical functions to maintain operations throughout the division. The Executive Assistant III exercises confidentiality, independent judgment, and action in accordance with delegated responsibilities from assigned supervisor(s) throughout the Division of Operations. The position involves monitoring and tracking multiple operating, capital, special revenue, and grant budgets. This position works with Facilities Management, Planning & Construction, Transportation, Food & Nutrition, Safety & Security, Environment, schools, and other support and instructional offices and staff regarding the divisions delivery of supports and operation services to school and offices.
A combination of education and experience may be considered.
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Prepares and edits correspondence, entailing a wide knowledge of the Department's programs, procedures, functions and policies.
Prepares and processes payments, purchase orders, direct payments, and other financial requests for the division.
Utilizes technology to create and maintain electronic databases, reports, spreadsheets, logs, and other information related to the functions of the department.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
Financial & Budgetary Principles: Understanding basic accounting, financial record-keeping, and the preparation of operating, capital, and grant budgets.
Organizational Policies: Knowledge of the department’s programs, functions, procedures, and policies, as well as an understanding of Board of Education protocols.
Business English: Comprehensive knowledge of business English, grammar, spelling, and professional correspondence standards.
Technology & Software Proficiency: Advanced skill in utilizing modern office technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, electronic databases, and calendar management software.
Written & Verbal Communication: Excellent communication skills to effectively draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, prepare agendas, and take accurate meeting minutes.
Financial Processing: Skill in processing payments, purchase orders, direct payments, and maintaining accurate financial logs.
Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. I ncomplete applications will not be consider ed . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Supplemental Application Questions
T his position requires applicants to provide r esponses to the below supplemental application questions to determine whether you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications . Please upload your responses in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.
1. Please describe your professional experience in administrative support. In your response, clearly detail the specific administrative tasks you handle , your level of autonomy in managing them, and highlight the exact job titles of the person(s), leadership team, or department(s) you supported. Cite the employers and years where you gained this experience. If you do not have this experience, please type NA.
2. Detail your practical experience managing, tracking, or reconciling operational budgets and financial accounts. In your explanation, identify the specific financial tracking systems or enterprise software (such as Workday, Oracle, or other applications ) you have utilized , and walk us through your typical process for verifying account accuracy, resolving discrepancies, and preparing financial reports for leadership.
3. Describe a complex dataset you have managed in a previous role (such as a school budget, inventory log, or employee directory). Detail how you utilized spreadsheet software (Excel or Google Sheets) to organize and analyze this data.
In your response, please explain :
Which specific formulas or tools you use (e.g., standard formulas, lookup functions like XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, or Data Validation/conditional formatting) and your level of proficiency .
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.
Applicants may be required to complete a skills assessment prior to or during the interview process.
This is a 12 -month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade 2 3 on the Technical Central Office and School Based salary scale, $ 57,748 - $ 107,463 . Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.
Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary .
HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
Pre-Employment Requirements
Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.
A ll employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, s ome positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing .
Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected] .
HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
