Upper School Executive Assistant + Project Manager

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color. 
We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.
Job Summary
The Executive Assistant to the Upper School leadership team serves as a key representative of the team, fostering strong relationships and facilitating effective communication across the Upper School division to ensure alignment with divisional priorities and the broader mission of Riverdale. In addition to providing high-level administrative support to the divisional leadership team - the Upper School Head, Assistant Head, and grade-level deans, this position serves as a central point of coordination for Upper School leadership operations. The Executive Assistant acts as a trusted thought partner to the Head and Assistant Head of Upper School, helping to prioritize initiatives, streamline communication, and ensure follow-through on divisional goals. This role also supports the work of the Upper School Grade-Level Deans, coordinating calendars, managing key student-facing operational systems, and ensuring consistency across divisional programming and events.

Administrative Leadership

• Partner with the divisional leadership team to prioritize initiatives, requests, and meeting invitations by assessing urgency, alignment with divisional goals, and potential impact.
• Manage a complex and dynamic calendar for the Head of Upper School, Assistant Head, and Grade-Level Deans.
• Screen and triage communications with sound judgment and discretion.
• Provide rapid-response support during time-sensitive or high-pressure situations, helping coordinate logistics and communication.
• Recommend and implement office procedures and systems that increase efficiency and clarity.
• Create and maintain a joyful space in the Upper School office, welcoming students, families, faculty, and the broader Riverdale community

Divisional Experiences + Special Projects

• Partner with Development, Communications, Athletics, and Special Events teams to ensure smooth execution of critical Upper School events and programs.
• Coordinate logistics and provide operational support for major Upper School events, including Experience Riverdale Day, Graduation, grade-level programs, travel programs, and leadership gatherings.  As needed, manage space reservations, vendors, materials preparation, and day-of logistics.
• Support Grade-Level Deans in managing parent-teacher conferences, grade-level programming, and student-facing systems.
• Assist in planning and execution of divisional retreats, faculty meetings, and all-school gatherings.

Operational Management

• Prepare and track confidential documents related to Upper School personnel processes in coordination with Human Resources and the Business Office.  When required, ensure documents are reviewed, signed, and archived in accordance with school policy.
• Liaise with vendors to procure supplies and resolve service needs efficiently
• Book travel and accommodations for divisional leadership team with attention to detail and cost-effectiveness
• Supervise the maintenance, supplies, and space requirements of the Upper School office, and both deans offices
• Track divisional budgets, reconcile credit card expenses, and monitor purchasing workflows.
• Maintain organized digital filing systems and records aligned with school policy.
• Maintain records and documents relevant to accreditation or divisional review processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Upper School operations.

Technical & Digital Literacy