Chief of Staff

Roots Community Health Center•Oakland, CA

About The Position

Roots Community Health's Chief of Staff (CoS) is an exceptionally motivated, results-oriented leader who works directly alongside the CEO and C-suite executives to execute the organization’s highest priorities and generational strategic growth efforts. Managing the Office of the CEO, the CoS serves as a critical air traffic controller, key project driver, and the primary operational liaison between the CEO and external partners. This role is built for a leader who thrives on the excitement of a fast-paced, high-impact environment. Working side-by-side with executive leadership, the CoS serves as an inspiring team leader and the primary operational liaison between the CEO, staff, and external partners. The CoS will regularly lead cross-functional teams and drive high-stakes, transformative initiatives—such as Rise East, our landmark collective impact initiative to revitalize East Oakland. CoS leverages their sharp operational talent to accelerate high-stakes projects, while actively providing front-row experience in community health leadership.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Public Health (MPH), Communications, or a related field preferred.
Completion of a recognized healthcare leadership, public policy, or philanthropic fellowship (e.g., CHCF, Capital Fellows, Coro) is preferred.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in an operational or strategic leadership role, with a proven track record of managing complex projects and cross-functional teams.
Strong structural understanding of healthcare delivery, public health systems, and the non-profit landscape; experience navigating community-anchored care models is a plus.
Superior written, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
Deep passion for Roots Community Health’s mission and an uncompromising commitment to health equity, systemic change, and community empowerment.

Nice To Haves

"Swiss Army Knife" Intellect & Agility: Possesses the cognitive flexibility to seamlessly shift gears from analyzing technical health policy and data frameworks to driving high-impact community advocacy.
Low Ego, High Gravitas: Equally comfortable executing essential, behind-the-scenes administrative heavy lifting and stepping into high-visibility spaces to confidently and authentically represent the CEO and organization.
“Can-do” optimism: Approaching complex constraints with a constructive energy that shifts the conversation from why something can’t be done to how it can be accomplished.
Forward-Looking & Proactive Ownership: Anticipates operational roadblocks several steps ahead. Consistently brings forward strategic options and executable solutions rather than a list of questions or problems.
Exceptional Execution Speed: Self-starter who prioritizes organizational momentum. Possesses a natural orientation towards action and a proven ability to drive complex, high-priority initiatives across the finish line under tight timelines.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the CEO, efficiently optimizing the CEO’s time to deliver maximum impact across the organization and the broader community health ecosystem.
Staff, brief, and prepare the CEO for high-visibility meetings, panel presentations, and public appearances, including drafting comprehensive briefings and talking points.
Serve as a collaborative executive resource, fostering multi-directional, efficient information flow across internal leadership teams to enhance decision-making and ensure swift execution.
Identify operational bottlenecks and areas for process innovation, implementing rapid solutions to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Oversee and integrate the Resource Development and Marketing/Communications functions, ensuring both teams operate in tight alignment with the CEO’s vision.
Partner with the Communications Manager to develop and execute a comprehensive external engagement and brand awareness plan for the CEO and the organization.
Support the Development team and grant-writing infrastructure, ensuring the submission pipeline is managed efficiently while assisting the CEO in cultivating and stewarding major donor and philanthropic relationships.
Assist in the development and management of executive office budgets, collaborating closely with the finance team to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
Serve as a primary operational liaison between the CEO and external stakeholders, including government officials, funding partners, regional coalitions, and media.
Coordinate special projects and manage timelines for high-stakes external initiatives (such as regional councils and multi-organizational collaborations).
Represent Roots Community Health at external events, conferences, and community forums as delegated by the CEO.
Lead the planning, cross-functional coordination, and seamless execution of key organizational events, funder site visits, and high-profile meetings.
Monitor, analyze, and brief the CEO on local, state, and federal health policies, legislative changes, and community trends affecting Roots mission.
Collaborate with government stakeholders to align civic engagement, policy positions, and advocacy campaigns with key initiatives in alignment with Roots mission.
Develop strategic positioning and advocacy materials to support the organization's regional healthcare and equity agendas.
Identify opportunities for Roots to influence public discourse on community health, organizing grassroots or legislative outreach as directed by the CEO.