Chief of Staff to the CPO

Okta•San Francisco, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Okta is securing AI by building trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence. This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. The Director/Senior Director, Chief of Staff is a highly visible, strategic, and highly operational leadership role designed to serve as the critical "glue" that makes everything fit together across Okta's Global People & Places organization. Reporting directly to the Chief People Officer (CPO), you will act as a true strategic thought partner and operational proxy for the CPO, building deep, trust-based relationships across the People Leadership Team (PLT) and the broader business. This role requires a rare and sophisticated dual capability: you must be deeply strategic with a commanding executive presence, yet remain relentlessly operational in execution. Crucially, you possess the business acumen and discernment to ensure we focus on the right priorities. You will bring a vibrant, high-energy presence to the team, serving as the connective tissue that bridges functional silos, coordinates global efforts, and drives high-velocity execution in our fast-paced, AI-driven landscape.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
10+ years of experience in HR, operations, strategy, or a related field
Strong leadership skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and concepts
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to drive decision-making
Experience in talent management, performance management, and employee engagement
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
High level of integrity, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of HR laws, regulations, and compliance requirements is preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor, strategic thought partner, and proxy for the Chief People Officer, representing the Office of the CPO in key leadership forums and decision-making bodies.
Cultivate deep, authentic relationships across the People Leadership Team (PLT)—including PBPs, L&D, Recruiting, People Ops, Total Rewards, and Workplace—ensuring all separate programs align and fit together seamlessly.
Evaluate operational requests and initiatives with critical rigor, acting as a gatekeeper to ensure we do not waste organizational energy over-engineering or operationalizing the wrong processes.
Lead high-stakes, cross-group special projects from concept to completion, ensuring precise work-back schedules, clear ownership, and definitive output.
Manage and synchronize all global People & Places program timelines, including product launch dates, program releases, and policy effective dates.
Lead the People organization through annual and quarterly business planning (QBRs), streamlining headcount allocation, and optimizing global resources.
Identify systemic friction points and redesign complex corporate workflows into elegant, simple, and highly scalable processes.
Monitor global HR operational risks and strategic opportunities, delivering clear recommendations to navigate ambiguity and protect our high talent density.
Manage and oversee the global People & Places organization budget in close partnership with the Chief People Officer and Finance.
Work with functional People leaders to build, manage, and audit program-specific budgets, ensuring financial resources are directly mapped to our most critical strategic priorities.