Chief of Staff in Charlottesville, Virginia at University of Virginia Foundation

The Chief of Staff (CoS) to the CEO is a strategic partner who amplifies the CEO's effectiveness and impact across the organization. The CoS manages critical executive priorities, coordinates comprehensive Board governance operations, and serves as the primary liaison between the CEO, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders. The CoS ensures seamless executive operations, drives organizational alignment, and maintains the highest standards of judgment, professionalism, and discretion in a complex, fast-paced environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Executive Leadership & Strategic Operations

• Manage organizational priorities, executive workflows, and strategic initiatives.
• Advise the CEO on critical decisions and organizational developments, providing analysis, recommendations, and proactive counsel.
• Triage and escalate incoming requests and issues, determining appropriate action and delegation based on strategic importance.
• Prepare comprehensive executive briefings, strategic analyses, and decision-ready materials to support the CEO's leadership, meetings, and board engagement.
• Lead and/or support cross-functional initiatives and drive organizational alignment across departments to ensure successful execution of strategic priorities.
• Represent the CEO in senior leadership meetings and external engagements as appropriate and delegated.
• Collaborate with the Administrative team to coordinate executive operations, schedules, and task management.
• Maintain an enterprise-wide view of strategic, operational, reputational, and stakeholder risks to ensure the CEO is appropriately briefed and prepared.
• Support annual organizational planning, strategic plan execution, executive goal setting, and leadership-team accountability.

Board Governance & Executive Operations

• Manage all Board and Committee operations, ensuring excellence in meeting coordination, agenda development, materials preparation, and follow-up execution.
• In collaboration with the CEO, the Board Chair, Committee Chairs, and senior leadership, develop annual Board and Committee calendars, agendas, and forward-looking governance priorities.
• Maintain a formal action-item and decision log for Board and Committee meetings to ensure prompt follow-up.
• Manage Board member onboarding and offboarding, ensuring seamless integration and knowledge transfer.
• Manage and administer the Board portal (Diligent), ensuring timely posting, accessibility, and compliance with governance best practices.
• Manage preparation, formatting, and finalization of Board packets and governance materials in partnership with the leadership team.
• Maintain comprehensive governance documentation systems, including minutes, bylaws, policies, compliance records, and strategic planning calendars.
• Ensure Board and Committee operations comply with the Foundation’s bylaws, governance policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and refine governance processes, templates, and operational systems to enhance consistency, efficiency, and Board effectiveness.
• Serve as a trusted connector between the Foundation and the University, helping align executive and Board communications with our mission and service to UVA.

Strategic Board & Stakeholder Engagement

• Plan and execute high-impact Board events, retreats, recognition activities, and strategic meetings.
• Facilitate executive-level communication and relationship building between the Board, CEO, senior leadership, and key stakeholders across the Foundation, University of Virginia community, and external partners
• Translating CEO and Board priorities into clear action plans, ownership, timelines, and follow-through; monitoring progress and elevating risks or decisions requiring executive attention.
• Draft and deliver polished executive correspondence and materials on behalf of the CEO.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Board members, university leadership, and external partners to advance organizational objectives
• Support preparation for high-stakes external engagements, including University leadership meetings, community relations, and key partner conversations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made consistent with applicable law to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, MPA, or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in executive leadership roles, Board governance, or senior strategic advisory positions in nonprofit, foundation, higher education, or similar mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and operate with complete professional discretion at the highest organizational levels.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, written and verbal communication, and interpersonal leadership skills.
• Proven track record of managing complex organizational initiatives and leading cross-functional teams.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with Board management platforms required; Diligent experience and expertise strongly preferred.
• Outstanding project and stakeholder management capabilities with demonstrated ability to manage multiple strategic priorities simultaneously.
• Deep understanding of nonprofit, foundation, or higher education governance structures, best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Flexibility to work extended hours during Board cycles and strategic initiatives.

CORE COMPETIENCES

• Strategic Executive Leadership & Sound Judgment
• Integrity, Discretion & Ethical Clarity
• Exceptional Organization & Execution Excellence
• Strategic Communication & Relationship Building
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence
• Technological Proficiency (including Board Management Systems)
• Adaptability, Composure & Leadership Under Pressure
• Board and Governance Expertise