Chief of Staff

Education Reform Now Advocacy

2h•Hybrid

About The Position

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) seeks a driven and mission-aligned Chief of Staff to serve as the operational right hand to the President of our multi-entity organization, which includes a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and Political Action Committee (PAC). This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven, highly organized, and politically savvy leader to work at the core of one of the most influential education advocacy efforts in the center-left ecosystem. DFER is led by a Chief Executive Officer who serves as the organization's primary external face — setting organizational vision, representing DFER in the broader policy, advocacy and philanthropic landscape, and leading its most senior external relationships. The President operates as a trusted senior leader within that structure, with a distinct and complementary focus: translating organizational vision into operational and systemic success, driving cross-functional execution, managing internal accountability, and stewarding the culture and capacity of the team. The Chief of Staff reports directly to the President and serves as a force multiplier for that work. Carrying the President's delegated authority on internal matters, the Chief of Staff will lead cross-functional projects, hold departments accountable to shared goals, and ensure the organization executes with the consistency and rigor the mission demands. The COS will escalate to the President on decisions that require presidential judgment, but will otherwise be empowered to act, coordinate, and drive on the President's behalf. Over time, the Chief of Staff may assume direct supervisory responsibility for one or two functions. The organization, Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), is a national political organization that supports elected Democrats and candidates for office who seek to expand policies and practices that work well for America’s students and confront those that do not. They prioritize students and families, especially low-income students and students of color. DFER partner Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) is an advocacy group, and DFER partner Education Reform Now (ERN) is a nonpartisan think tank. Together, they support forward-thinking education leaders, inform the education debate, and conduct targeted interventions and rapid response.

Requirements

A deep commitment to educational equity and the organization’s mission, with fluency in the political and policy landscape in which the organization operates.
Demonstrated 5-7 years of success in a chief of staff, senior project management, or cross-functional operational leadership role — ideally within a political, advocacy, or mission-driven nonprofit organization.
Experience working within or alongside a 501(c)(4), PAC, or multi-entity advocacy structure, with working knowledge of the compliance environment governing C3/C4/PAC activity — including lobbying disclosure, FEC rules, and entity firewalls.
A track record of exercising independent judgment and acting with delegated authority — able to make decisions confidently within defined scope and escalate clearly when needed.
Strong cross-functional project leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to convene diverse teams, manage complex workstreams, and drive initiatives to completion without direct line authority over all participants.
Exceptional organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously across a complex, multi-entity environment.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative style that builds trust quickly across departments, levels, and entity types.
Experience managing or supervising staff, with a supportive, accountable, and mission-centered leadership style.
Ability to synthesize complex information quickly and prepare clear, concise briefings, memos, and decision documents for senior leadership.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion — both as a personal value and in organizational practice.
Comfort navigating a fast-paced, politically dynamic environment with grace, discretion, and adaptability.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the President's voice and priorities accurately in internal communications.
A high degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive information with integrity.

Responsibilities

Lead Cross-Functional Projects and Organizational Priorities: Serve as the operational lead on the President's highest-priority cross-functional initiatives — building project structures, convening the right people, tracking progress, and driving workstreams to completion.
Exercise Delegated Presidential Authority Internally: Carry the President's delegated authority on internal operational matters — meaning staff and department heads can expect the COS to speak and act with the weight of the President's office on defined issues.
Build and Maintain a Culture of Accountability: Establish and steward clear systems of accountability across teams — ensuring that departments set measurable goals, report progress consistently, and course-correct when needed.
Navigate Multi-Entity Operations and Compliance: Operate fluently across the organization’s multiple entity structure: 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 527, working closely with outside legal counsel and finance leadership to ensure compliance.
Oversee Internal Operations and Organizational Infrastructure: Ensure that core operational systems — including financial management, HR, compliance, and technology — support the organization's mission and growth.
Support Staff Leadership and Organizational Culture: Model and reinforce a culture of high performance, inclusion, and purpose across the team, supporting staff development and fostering an environment where all staff feel valued.

Benefits

Health coverage
Vision coverage
Dental coverage
Cell phone reimbursement
Internet reimbursement
Flexible spending plan
Life insurance
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
401K plan with a match
Paid family leave
Paid time off (vacation, sick time, floating holidays, and all national holidays)