Chief of Staff

Society of American Foresters•Washington, DC

12d

About The Position

The Chief of Staff (COS) provides strategic leadership for the Society of American Foresters’ communications, events, professional development, credentialing, member and community engagement, and profession-facing programs. The COS reports to and supports the CEO, serves as an advisor and representative to stakeholders and committees, and collaborates with senior and department leaders and program leads to coordinate implementation of the annual work plan. The role responds to matters addressed to the CEO, communicates on the CEO’s behalf, problem-solves and provides triage when the CEO is unavailable, and represents the CEO at meetings, events, and projects. As organizational integrator for the leadership team, the COS translates strategic priorities into coordinated action across departments while respecting the authority and responsibilities of senior and department leaders. The position supervises the Directors of credentialing, professional development, member engagement, communications, and events. It supports the organization’s mission and its goal of creating social and economic value for members, the broader sector, and beyond. The COS coordinates organizational priorities and program and financial goals; oversees the organizational budget in partnership with the CEO and Senior Director of Finance and Operations; supports strategic planning and operational implementation; and maintains coordination, transparency, and follow-through across departments, leadership, the Board, committees, and constituencies. The position also supports the CEO’s priorities, commitments, communications, preparation, and management responsibilities, and handles sensitive and confidential information. Travel to events and conferences is required 20%–30%. Ad hoc telecommuting is available after 90 days of successful employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a forestry/natural resource-related field and eight years of experience.
Demonstrated experience in supervision, budgeting, and strategic planning.
A track record of leading and delivering complex projects and partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to work with volunteer leaders and staff at all levels through effective written and oral communication.
Skill in gathering information and data to author complex correspondence, reports, policy, financial, and planning documents.
Strong business acumen and analytical skills, with the ability to contribute to strategic thinking and accomplish tactical tasks.
Experience working with sensitive data and protecting confidential information.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong time management, organization, attention to detail, and ability to multitask and manage multiple deadlines and projects.
Ability to anticipate requirements, meet deadlines, and work in a dynamic environment.
Ability to take ownership of projects from inception through implementation and completion, including follow-up.
Ability to work independently and contribute as a team member.
Personable, adaptable, proactive, and self-starting, with a positive hands-on attitude and customer service ethic.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative internal and external relationships and respect differing perspectives.
Ability to produce organized and accurate materials quickly.
Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to travel 20%–30% to events and conferences.
Demonstrated commitment to SAF’s goal of creating a positive and inclusive staff, membership, and partnerships.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in business administration or a forestry/natural resource-related field.
At least eight years of experience supporting a senior-level executive.
At least two years, within the eight years of experience, in a nonprofit, higher education, public, or governmental setting.
Knowledge of and passion for forests and natural resources.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership in coordinating organizational priorities and achieving program and financial goals.
Support alignment across leadership by clarifying roles, priorities, and decision authority.
Oversee the organizational budget in partnership with the CEO and Senior Director of Finance and Operations.
Direct and manage program operations, facilitate co-development of the strategic plan and roadmap, and oversee implementation.
Coordinate the CEO’s and SAF’s annual work plan and reporting with key staff.
Participate in internal and external committees on the CEO’s behalf.
Liaise with Senior Directors, Directors, program leads, the Board of Directors, volunteer advisory committees, and internal and external constituencies.
Support transparency through dashboards tracking goal progress and attainment.
Review and sign contracts after ensuring they do not compromise SAF.
Integrate operations across departments to improve collaboration and reduce organizational friction.
Advise the CEO on administrative and executive issues and policy, process, and procedure implementation.
Work with the CEO to foster cross-unit involvement in special initiatives.
Ensure follow-through on decisions and actions of the CEO and Board.
Track and report on projects assigned by the CEO to Senior Directors and Directors, including change initiatives, SAF priorities, special projects, and crisis management.
Develop opportunities that advance SAF through topical meetings, symposia, and other content-based programming.
Drive and support coordinated change-management activities, including communications planning, training, and stakeholder management.
Coordinate with the Director, Governance and Finance to track, follow up, and implement actions related to Board decisions.
Help the CEO and leadership team translate strategic priorities into annual operational plans and measurable outcomes.
Coordinate leadership team operations, including agendas, briefing materials, action tracking, and follow-up.
Prepare the CEO for meetings, public engagements, and leadership discussions with briefing materials and recommended actions.
Oversee timely preparation of materials and prompt responses to internal and external constituents.
Manage the CEO’s executive responsibilities and commitments.
Assist the CEO with supervisory and management activities, including hiring and onboarding direct reports and liaising with SAF Human Resources as appropriate.
Ensure effective implementation of directives and initiatives and timely, professional service to constituents.
Develop agendas for forums, meetings, and engagements.
Promote a community of belonging among staff, volunteer leaders, members, interns, and consultants.
Initiate and respond to routine communications on behalf of the CEO.
Coordinate CEO-level communications with Senior Directors and the Communications Director.
Manage sensitive and confidential information.
Serve as liaison to the Leadership Succession Committee.
Provide committee support to the Executive, Finance, Governance, and Audit Committees, and others as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.