- Position Type:
Administration (Non Certified)/Chief of Staff
Overview: The Chief of Staff (CoS) serves as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and a key member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). This role is responsible for driving organizational priorities, strengthening cross-functional alignment, and ensuring effective execution of CREC's strategic initiatives.
The Chief of Staff acts as a strategic partner for the Executive Director, managing high-priority projects, facilitating decision-making, and improving organizational effectiveness. This position requires a highly skilled leader who can operate at both the strategic and operational levels, navigate complexity, and build strong relationships across internal and external stakeholders. This role complements, but does not replace, operational leadership functions.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Partner with the Executive Director and ELT to advance CREC's strategic priorities and key initiatives
- Translate strategic goals into actionable plans, timelines and measurable outcomes
- Monitor progress on agency-wide initiatives and ensure accountability for results
- Support long range planning, organizational goal setting, and performance tracking
Executive Leadership Support
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director
- Help prioritize competing demands and ensure focus on high-impact work
- Represent the Executive Director in meetings and initiatives, as appropriate
- Prepare briefings, reports, and decision-making materials
Organizational Alignment
- Ensure alignment across departments and programs to support cohesive execution of CREC's mission
- Facilitate communication and coordination among key stakeholders
- Support leadership meetings, including agenda development, facilitation and follow-up
Change Management
- Lead and manage high priority, cross functional projects on behalf of the Executive Director
- Identify operational challenges and drive solutions across departments
- Support and guide change management efforts, ensuring successful implementation of new initiatives
- Track key deliverables and remove barriers to execution
Operational Effectiveness
- Analyze organizational systems, processes, and structures to identify opportunities for improvement
- Recommend and support implementation of process enhancements and efficiencies
- Strengthen internal systems to support scalability and sustainability
Special Projects & Organizational Priorities
- Lead or support special initiatives aligned with CREC's strategic goals
- Address emerging issues and organizational needs with sound judgement and strategic awareness
- Maintain oversight of critical projects to ensure continuity and follow through
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in education, public sector, or a complex nonprofit organization
- Demonstrated experience in strategy, operations, and organizational leadership
- Strong project management experience with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously
- Experience working with or in public policy, government, or K�12 education systems strongly preferred
- Proven ability to analyze data, evaluate organizational performance, and drive strategic decision-making
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Understands big-picture implications and connects strategy to execution
- Leadership & Influence: Builds trust and collaborates effectively across all levels
- Execution & Accountability: Drives results and ensures follow-through
- Communication: Clear, concise, and effective in both written and verbal communication
- Problem Solving: Navigates complexity and develops practical solutions
- Discretion & Judgment: Handles sensitive matters with professionalism and confidentiality
- Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Preferred Skills
- Experience with financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
- Familiarity with performance management systems and data dashboards
- Experience improving organizational systems and workflows
- Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills
Position Impact
This role is critical to ensuring that CREC's leadership operates with focus, alignment, and effectiveness. The Chief of Staff will play a central role in helping CREC deliver on its mission, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen its impact across the region.
To access the job description and salary range document, please click https://www.crec.org/careers/jobs.php
