About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments that foster the development of critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the Role

The Assistant will report to the Senior Managing Director - People and play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of key workstreams by providing high-quality administrative and logistical support. This individual will manage the SMD of People’s calendar, coordinate meetings, maintain internal systems, support project execution, and facilitate communication across stakeholders. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, responsive, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Manage complex scheduling and calendar coordination for the SMD - People and cross-functional meetings
• Support internal and external communications, including drafting emails and preparing materials
• Organize and maintain digital files, documents, and records
• Maintain systems, trackers, and databases to ensure accurate and up-to-date information
• Support routine processes such as ordering supplies, scheduling rooms, and managing vendor communication; coordinate office event/meetings logistics (food orders, room assignments), and expense reporting

Project Coordination

• Track progress on key initiatives and report project updates, outcomes, and bottlenecks to the SMD - People
• Prepare and organize materials for meetings, including agendas, slide decks, and notes
• Follow up on action items and support cross-team communication

Staff and reporting relationships

The Administrative Assistant will report directly to the Senior Managing Director - People.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in administrative, operations, or project coordination roles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated excellence in attention to detail and follow-through, particularly in managing tasks that are easily overlooked
• Strong ability to anticipate needs, proactively plan, and manage up to ensure priorities are aligned and addressed ahead of time
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond quickly to shifting needs
• Tech-savvy, with proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom, and project management software
• Highly responsive, proactive, and reliable
• Strong customer service orientation and collaborative mindset
• Proactive in taking full ownership of recurring responsibilities, creating seamless systems so the manager can stay focused on high-leverage work without having to revisit routine tasks

Essential Skills

• Exceptional organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Strong time management with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Professional demeanor with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to anticipate needs and be proactive in problem-solving
• Adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines

Personal Attributes

• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Calm under pressure with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities
• Positive attitude and service-oriented mindset
• Diplomatic approach to sensitive situations

Compensation

The salary range for this position is 60,000 - 75,000. Several factors, such as a candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations, may influence base pay offered.

This is a full-time, exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits

Location & Work Arrangement

• Based in our Brooklyn, NY office
• A hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week
• Occasional professional conference travel

In-person work expectations include network office time, stakeholder meetings, school visits, special events, and other role-specific responsibilities as determined by management.