Long-Term Substitute Administrative Assistant to the Upper School Director
Hawken School is committed to doing school differently and better. This means developing an inclusive and accepting community where adults feel empowered to design educational experiences for students that deepen their learning, engaging their emotions as well as their intellects. Hawken School seeks culturally competent teachers and staff members who are committed to equity and social justice, are comfortable taking risks, and who embrace a growth mindset. We are constantly looking for new ways to inspire student curiosity while remaining dedicated to nurturing compassion and kindness in our students.
THE POSITION
Hawken School is seeking a long-term substitute Administrative Assistant to the Upper School Director. This position reports to the Director of the Upper School and works closely with the Upper School Administrative Team. The primary functions of this role are to provide in-depth, proactive, and attentive administrative support to the Director of the Upper School, to share responsibilities for the front desk of the academic building, and to support management of the Upper School budget as well as Upper School-specific transportation and supply needs. As a representative of the Director and Division, the assistant needs to be a proactive problem solver with exceptional communication skills and attention to detail.
This is a 13-week, full-time position, beginning August 24, 2026, and concluding on November 23, 2026, with the potential for a few support days in early December, after the Thanksgiving holiday.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential responsibilities of the position include:
- Provide direct assistance to the Director of the Upper School on scheduling, projects, and tasks needed to ensure effective day-to-day administrative function of the division
- Serve as a thought partner to the Director of the Upper School to keep the office and division running efficiently:
- Manage the Director of the Upper School’s calendar, short- and long-term, including preparing advance materials that may be needed for upcoming meetings and effectively communicating with all necessary school-wide constituents
- Support oversight of Upper School budget, including overseeing timely reconciliation of school-provided credit cards, including receipts with proper coding
- Complete general office tasks, such as filing, scanning, copying, data entry and ordering supplies
- Support Director in Weekly Communications to Upper School community
- Ensure that visitors and communications (phone, email, and mail) are responded to efficiently and professionally and in a manner reflective of school culture and conforming to the highest standards of professionalism and discretion
- Provide event planning support for special Upper School events – room setup, ordering and setting up snacks, making copies, etc.
- Support coordination of transportation scheduling for community day and Intensives
- Build and manage relationships with all members of the Hawken Upper School community
- Provide coverage of the front desk in the main school building – answering phones, assisting students, monitoring the doors – from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., provide sub coverage at front desk when needed
- Assist in other aspects of administrative support and school leadership support as needed
The hours of this position are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. A light breakfast with coffee and full lunch are provided/available each day to faculty and staff on campus.
QUALIFICATIONS
- An Associate’s or Bachelor's degree is preferred but not mandatory
- Strong communication and organization skills
- At least two years of experience assisting an administrator preferred
- Experience and facility utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel, and database management software required
- Proven integrity – ability to maintain strict levels of confidentiality within a professional organization and identify sensitive and difficult situations that may arise, and act accordingly
- Strong intercultural competency skills
THE SCHOOL
Founded on the ideal that “the better self shall prevail and each generation introduces its successor to a higher plane of life,” Hawken School is a coeducational independent day school with 1,600 students in toddler through grade 12. Our four campuses within 25 minutes of downtown Cleveland and an urban extension center in the city’s museum district provide a demanding and integrated course of study in a diverse and dynamic environment.
To learn more about us, visit
HOW TO APPLY
Submit an employment application through . Address your cover letter to Matt Simon, Director of the Upper School.
Hawken School is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to promoting all forms of diversity in the workplace and in our student body. We strongly urge all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Type: Temporary
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
