Chief of Staff

About People’s Action Institute

People’s Action Institute (501c3) is a national people-powered organization that conducts public education toward winning an inclusive democracy and economy. People’s Action Institute builds the power of poor and working people in rural, suburban, and urban areas to win change through policy education and campaigns, leadership development, narrative and communications strategies, and more.

With offices in Washington, DC, and Chicago, IL, and remote staff across the country, we support and advance state-based and national efforts for common-sense policies on the environment, decarceration, health care, economic security, housing, education, and more.

For more information on People’s Action Institute, please visit https://peoplesaction.org/about-us/peoples-action-institute/

The Opportunity

Are you someone who can see the big picture while also being able to see how each part of an organization contributes to the overall success/vision? Are you a big picture strategist with the operational acumen to turn that strategic vision into action? If you answered yes to those questions, then this is an outstanding opportunity for you. We are searching for a Chief of Staff to work at the intersection of strategy and operations within an organization committed to creating meaningful change. The Chief of Staff will be positioned to make significant contributions to both our immediate organizational success and the broader progressive movement.

Overview of the Position

As a strategic partner on the executive leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures organizational activities align to maximize our strategic impact with an eye toward organizational impact within the broader progressive ecosystem. The role requires someone who can see beyond individual departments and programs to understand how the elements of our work add up to our overarching priorities and contribute to long-term organizational sustainability.

They will also lead, coordinate, and develop a team of leaders, driving work in powerbuilding, strategic initiatives, and operations while also building and developing relationships internally and externally. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of strategy and operations within an organization committed to creating meaningful change that impacts working-class people across race and place. The Chief of Staff will be positioned to make significant contributions to both our immediate organizational success and within the broader progressive ecosystem.

As Chief of Staff, you will be in the mix of it all. Here is how you will make your impact (but isn’t limited to):

Executive and Organizational Leadership

• Organize executive team meetings with relevant, timely, as well as long-term discussions and decision points
• Manage confidential information and sensitive organizational matters
• Serve as a trusted advisor on organizational strategy and operations
• Provide strategic and analytical counsel to the executive director
• Serve as a liaison between executive leadership and internal/external stakeholders
• Represent the organization in key meetings and strategic discussions
• Serve as a backup to the Executive Director as needed and represent the organization in internal and external forums
• Provide executive-level administrative oversight to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the organization

Organizational Progress & Efficiency

• Monitor progress against organizational priorities and adjust strategies as needed, considering how changes affect the organizational ecosystem
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all departments
• Design and facilitate executive meetings, board sessions, and strategic planning retreats
• Ensure productive meeting outcomes through strong facilitation and follow-through
• Facilitate clear, consistent communication and information flow across all organizational levels
• Coordinate cross-departmental initiatives and strategic impact

Relationship & Project Management

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key external partners, donors, and allies
• Lead and oversee high-level projects from conception through execution, ensuring projects serve the organization’s holistic strategic vision
• Represent organizational interests at conferences, coalition meetings, and strategic convenings
• Navigate diverse stakeholders to advance shared objectives
• Manage sensitive communications and high-level negotiations
• Manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail

Team Supervision, Leadership, and Development

• Provide strong leadership, supervision, and guidance to Operations, Power Building, and Strategic Initiative staff, driving the departments to achieve organizational priorities
• Promote staff growth, collaboration, and skills-building across teams, using clear structures to ensure accountability and follow-through
• Build strong relationships with staff across the organization while fostering a collaborative team culture
• Adapt management practices to support individual team members while advancing organizational priorities.

Finance, Fundraising, and Administration

• Foster financial awareness and accountability within the leadership team
• Participate in fundraising, proposal development, and related reporting

Other duties may be assigned as needed to support organizational priorities.

The ideal Chief of Staff should have the following experience and qualifications:

Qualifications (Who you are/ What you bring):

• Solution-Driven Mindset: Proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions
• Strategic Thinking: Excitement for and capability in developing interventions with long-lasting impact
• Understanding of the value of strong operations in achieving organizational goals
• Comfort with ambiguity and skill in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Strong attention to detail with exceptional organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong commitment to racial, gender, and economic justice and their intersections, both inside and outside the organization

Experience (What you have done):

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience at a progressive political organization, firm, or movement organization
• Significant experience in leadership, operations, or management roles, preferably in dynamic organizing environments
• Demonstrated track record of managing competing priorities in fast-paced settings
• 5+ years in a leadership and management role.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Experience to articulate complex ideas clearly across diverse audiences and contexts
• Strong Facilitation Skills: Experience to bring together diverse stakeholders around a shared vision
• Experience toggling between different delegation and management techniques based on situational needs
• Understanding of the value of strong operations in achieving organizational goals
• Experience organizing diverse stakeholders into cohesive, action-oriented groups
• Experience in adjusting quickly to diverse needs, shifting priorities, and varying levels of urgency