Chief of Staff & Director of Special Projects

Role Overview

Chief of Staff & Director of Special Projects to the CEO is a high-leverage, high-trust role that acts as the CEO’s closest thought partner and a force multiplier. The position blends communications leadership with operator instincts—helping shape how the organization shows up publicly while driving ambiguous special projects from half-formed ideas to shipped outcomes.

Responsibilities

Office of the CEO (Management)

• Run the CEO’s office by coordinating CEO focus and priorities with organizational needs
• Triage incoming communications, draft responses, and ensure timely follow-up
• Field and triage meeting requests on the CEO’s behalf; take meetings independently when appropriate
• Prepare briefings and materials for high-stakes engagements
• Act as a proxy for the CEO by owning next steps and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks
• Partner with the CEO’s EA to manage scheduling, travel, expenses, and inbox
• Optimize travel time to maximize relationship-building across external partners, program teams, and funders

Communications & Marketing

• Lead and own executive communications for the CEO
• Develop and steward thought leadership content via Substack, LinkedIn, and other channels
• Lead and own the organization’s podcast
• Own CEO and executive media relations in coordination with stakeholders

Special Projects

• Lead ambiguous, high-impact special projects that don’t clearly belong to a single team

Requirements

• Strong communication skills with precision and the ability to write in another leader’s voice
• Excellent judgment: knowing what the CEO would say, what stakeholders need, what issues to prioritize, and when to act without being asked
• Ability to read people/rooms/stakeholders accurately and handle sensitive situations with discretion
• Comfort working in ambiguity and delivering outcomes without step-by-step handholding
• Ability to thrive in a remote environment

Location & Logistics

• Full-time, exempt; remote in the United States (flexible schedule)
• Preference for candidates who can work PST hours
• Up to 40% travel within the U.S.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $150,000–$175,000 depending on experience
• Benefits include health/dental/vision for employee and dependents, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible hours/location, generous PTO, paid parental leave, home office/pro development stipend, and 401(k) match (4% vested immediately)

Start Date

• Start as soon as possible after receiving an offer (some flexibility)