Chief of Staff

Date posted: June 29, 2026

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Job description:

Location: Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center, Milton, Massachusetts

Reports To: President & CEO

Employment Type: Full-Time (Exceptional part-time candidates may be considered)

Salary: $65,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center

Founded in 1885, Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center is home to one of the world's longest continuous weather records and is a National Historic Landmark. As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are expanding educational programming, strengthening our financial foundation, modernizing operations, preserving irreplaceable climate records, and building an organization positioned to serve science and the public for generations to come.

We're looking for someone who wants to help build that future.

Position Summary

The Chief of Staff serves as the operational partner to the President & CEO, helping transform vision into action across every aspect of the organization.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly organized, entrepreneurial professional who enjoys solving problems, leading projects, and building organizations. The successful candidate will help oversee initiatives spanning education, operations, fundraising, visitor experience, branding and marketing, communications, facilities, events, and organizational growth.

No two days are the same.

One day may involve preparing materials for a Board of Trustees meeting, meeting with a major donor, or coordinating a strategic initiative. The next may involve leading an educational program, organizing volunteers, setting up an event, troubleshooting technology, stocking the gift shop, or helping maintain our historic campus.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable in the boardroom and out on the lawn. They are willing to roll up their sleeves, understand that no task is beneath them, and are excited by the opportunity to help build one of New England's most historic scientific institutions.

Primary Responsibilities

Executive Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor and operational partner to the President & CEO.
• Manage strategic initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Coordinate projects across multiple functional areas and ensure timely execution.
• Develop systems and processes that improve organizational effectiveness.
• Identify challenges, solve problems, and keep projects moving forward.

Education & Public Engagement

• Coordinate educational programs, field trips, workshops, tours, and public events.
• Support instructors, volunteers, interns, and community partners.
• Help grow educational programming and visitor engagement initiatives.
• Ensure an exceptional experience for visitors, members, and participants.

Advancement & Development

• Support fundraising strategy and implementation.
• Research prospective donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Assist with grant writing, reporting, and stewardship.
• Coordinate donor communications, fundraising events, and membership initiatives.
• Help strengthen relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.

Operations

• Support day-to-day organizational operations.
• Assist with visitor services and gift shop operations.
• Coordinate vendors, contractors, technology, supplies, and facilities.
• Improve workflows and operational systems across the organization.
• Help manage organizational budgets and special projects as assigned.

Events & Special Projects

• Coordinate conferences, rentals, public events, and fundraising activities.
• Manage logistics from planning through execution.
• Lead special initiatives that advance organizational priorities.

Facilities & Campus Stewardship

As a small nonprofit, everyone contributes wherever needed.

Responsibilities may occasionally include event setup and breakdown, moving equipment, basic facility and grounds maintenance, landscaping, stocking the gift shop, coordinating recycling and waste removal, assisting with snow preparation, and other hands-on work that helps keep the Observatory operating at its best.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong judgment, initiative, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to build productive relationships with trustees, donors, volunteers, staff, educators, and community partners.
• Willingness to perform both strategic leadership and hands-on operational work.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Nonprofit management
• Museum, science center, or cultural institution operations
• Education or public programming
• Historic sites or environmental organizations
• Project or operations management
• Event planning
• Fundraising and development
• Marketing and communications
• Volunteer management
• Technology implementation or organizational systems

Who Will Thrive Here

The successful candidate is:

• Entrepreneurial and resourceful.
• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable managing numerous projects simultaneously.
• Professional, collaborative, and adaptable.
• Equally effective working with trustees, donors, educators, scientists, volunteers, and visitors.
• Comfortable making decisions and taking initiative.
• Willing to do whatever needs to be done to advance the mission.

We value curiosity, integrity, humility, initiative, and a strong work ethic over any single career path.

Why Join Blue Hill Observatory?

This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to help shape the future of one of America's most historic scientific institutions.

Working directly with the President & CEO, you'll help lead organizational transformation, expand educational programs, strengthen fundraising, improve operations, preserve an internationally significant scientific record, and help ensure the Observatory continues serving science and the public for generations to come.

The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth as the organization continues to expand.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A cover letter describing your interest in the position.
• A résumé or curriculum vitae.
• Three professional references.

Research shows that qualified candidates sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every listed requirement, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences, perspectives, and career paths.

Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center is committed to creating a workplace where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and believe diverse perspectives strengthen our organization and enhance our mission.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Work Location: In person