Chief of Staff

Growing Up New Mexico•Santa Fe, NM

About The Position

The Chief of Staff is a trusted senior partner to the President & CEO, taking ownership of key areas of work so the CEO can focus more on vision, relationships, and impact. Acting as a strategist, consultant, and implementer, the Chief of Staff translates the CEO’s priorities into plans and follow-through, supports smooth finance operations, and handles sensitive matters with reliability, confidentiality, and accuracy. Regular travel locally and across New Mexico is required. Growing Up New Mexico works to help every young child thrive through high-quality early learning, family support, and lasting systems change. Its programs integrate home visiting, early intervention, early care and education, and wraparound support into an accessible and sustainable system for children, families, early childhood professionals, and communities. The role leads strategic projects; supports budgeting, forecasting, financial reviews, grants, contracts, and reporting; manages the CEO’s calendar and operating rhythm; and improves internal processes and accountability. It also plans events and convenings, supports Board and stakeholder relations, prepares meeting materials and minutes, maintains records, drafts communications, and coordinates with partners and advocacy stakeholders in compliance with applicable lobbying and reporting rules. Success is expected to include learning the organization and key relationships in the first 90 days, establishing CEO priorities and follow-up systems, taking ownership of budget reviews and Board materials within six months, delivering a signature event and special projects, and helping the CEO and executive team operate with greater effectiveness over the first year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit leadership, government, public policy, campaigns, or a similar field.
At least 3 years supporting senior executives or leading complex projects.
Demonstrated experience with budgets and financial reporting, including grants, contracts, or public funding.
Track record of planning and executing events of varying sizes on time and on budget.
Experience working with elected officials, agency leaders, or advocacy coalitions, and a working understanding of the New Mexico political landscape.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft in another person’s voice.
Sound judgment, discretion with confidential information, and ability to act without close direction.
Proficiency with Microsoft and Google products and project management tools, with the ability to quickly learn new tools and software.
Ability to pass the mandatory background clearance required of all childcare workers in New Mexico.
Regular computer and phone use, extended sitting, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, business, or a related field.
Experience in politics, organizational management, early childhood, education, health, or family services.
Fundraising or donor stewardship experience.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, or familiarity with New Mexico’s tribal and cultural communities.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional special projects, including initiatives, partnerships, campaigns, events, and organizational change processes.
Translate the CEO’s vision into plans, timelines, ownership, and follow-through; keep the executive team aligned and accountable.
Serve as a thought partner to the CEO on strategy, priorities, tradeoffs, decisions, and risks.
Prepare briefings, talking points, and background research for the CEO.
Partner with the CEO and finance lead on the annual budget, forecasting, and monthly financial reviews.
Support workflow, process development and adoption, task management, and decisions requiring the CEO’s attention.
Support grant and contract oversight, including deadlines, compliance, and reporting to funders and public agencies.
Prepare and/or present summaries for the Board, Finance Committee, and funders.
Build and improve internal systems, processes, accountability, and metrics that support efficient finance department operations.
Screen and prioritize requests, represent the CEO when appropriate, and handle sensitive matters discreetly.
Manage the CEO’s calendar, meetings, and inbox in close coordination with the CEO, protecting time for high-value work.
Support the CEO’s weekly operating rhythm, including priorities and a follow-up tracker.
Serve as an extension of the CEO to the executive team and staff on project updates, proposals, and planning.
Develop and refine systems and processes that streamline operations and support efficient functions and service delivery in collaboration with senior leaders.
Follow the organization’s ethics and compliance policies.
Plan and manage signature events and convenings, from concept and budgeting through execution, reporting, and follow-up.
Manage event vendors, venues, volunteers, and staff roles; track event budgets and measure results against goals.
Represent Growing Up New Mexico at events and programs, including some evenings and weekends.
Work with the CEO and Board Chair to schedule, coordinate, and plan Board and committee meetings; prepare materials and track action items.
Attend Board and committee meetings and draft accurate minutes for review and approval.
Maintain organized digital and physical archives of Board resolutions, policies, and membership rosters.
Draft and edit correspondence, newsletters, and other materials in coordination with the communications team.
In consultation with the CEO and VP of Policy, coordinate with partners, coalitions, consultants, and lobbyists and ensure compliance with applicable lobbying and reporting rules.