Chief of Staff

Position Summary

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to the President & CEO, helping to advance the organization's mission, strategic priorities, and operational excellence. This role acts as an extension of the CEO, driving enterprise-wide initiatives, facilitating executive decision-making, coordinating cross-functional efforts, and ensuring accountability for organizational goals. The Chief of Staff amplifies the effectiveness and impact of the CEO and the executive leadership team. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to advance strategic priorities and organizational objectives.
• Lead and manage enterprise-wide initiatives that span multiple departments and service lines.
• Monitor progress toward strategic goals and key performance indicators.
• Identify organizational risks, opportunities, and emerging trends, and recommend appropriate actions.
• Support the annual strategic planning and organizational goal-setting processes.

Executive Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO.
• Prepare executive briefings, presentations, reports, and recommendations.
• Coordinate follow-up on executive decisions and ensure accountability across leadership teams.
• Assist in prioritizing organizational initiatives and managing competing demands.
• Represent the CEO in meetings and projects as appropriate.

Board Relations & Governance

• Coordinate preparation for Board of Directors and committee meetings.
• Develop agendas, board materials, presentations, and follow-up action plans.
• Ensure timely completion of board requests and governance responsibilities.
• Support effective communication between the Board and executive leadership.

Organizational Effectiveness

• Facilitate collaboration and alignment among executive leaders.
• Lead special projects and organizational improvement initiatives.
• Drive process improvement and operational efficiency efforts.
• Ensure strategic initiatives remain on track, on budget, and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Draft executive communications, speeches, presentations, and talking points.
• Support internal communication efforts that strengthen employee engagement and organizational alignment.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with initiatives for donor, community, and partner engagement as assigned.

Performance & Analytics

• Develop executive dashboards and performance reporting tools.
• Analyze organizational data and trends to support decision-making.
• Track and report on progress toward strategic and operational objectives.
• Recommend improvements based on data and organizational outcomes.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Healthcare Administration, Human Services, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, MPH, MSW, or related field) preferred.

Experience

• 7–10 years of progressive leadership, strategic planning, operations, consulting, or executive support experience.
• Experience supporting senior executives and managing complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Preferred experience in nonprofit, healthcare, senior services, human services, or mission-driven organizations.
• Strongly preferred: experience working with Boards of Directors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Exceptional project and change management skills.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and mission-driven leadership.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to travel periodically to Ascentria locations throughout New England.
• Availability to attend evening board meetings and occasional events.
• Capability to work in a hybrid environment with flexibility based on organizational needs.