Chief of Staff

Growing Up New Mexico•Santa Fe, NM

7d•$80,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Growing Up New Mexico (GUpNM) seeks a Chief of Staff to serve as a trusted senior partner and force multiplier for the President & CEO. The role translates the CEO’s vision and priorities into plans, timelines, ownership, and follow-through, while providing strategic counsel, implementing special projects, and supporting organizational operations. A significant area of responsibility is ensuring smooth operations of the finance team and functions. Reliability, confidentiality, and accuracy are essential. The position requires regular travel locally and across New Mexico, as well as occasional evening and weekend work. GUpNM 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 for children, families, early childhood professionals, and communities. The Chief of Staff leads cross-functional projects; supports budgeting, forecasting, financial reviews, grants, contracts, and reporting; manages the CEO’s calendar, meetings, inbox, and priorities in coordination with the CEO; improves internal systems and accountability; plans and executes events; and supports board relations, stakeholder communication, and compliant coordination with partners and advocacy groups. The role reports to the President & CEO.

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, including 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, and ability to quickly learn new tools and software.
Ability to pass the mandatory background clearance required of all childcare workers in the State of New Mexico.
Regular computer and phone use, extended sitting, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds; reasonable accommodations are available.
Willingness to travel across New Mexico and work occasional evenings and weekends.

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.
Self-starter who anticipates needs and closes loops without being asked.
Comfortable telling the CEO hard truths and disagreeing respectfully.
Calm under pressure, with a high standard for quality and follow-through.
Committed to the organization’s mission and the families and communities it serves.

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional special projects from initiation through completion, including initiatives, partnerships, campaigns, events, and organizational change processes.
Translate the CEO’s vision into plans, timelines, owners, and follow-through; keep the executive team aligned and accountable.
Serve as a thought partner to the CEO on strategy, priorities, and tradeoffs; pressure-test decisions and identify risks early.
Prepare briefings, talking points, and background research for the CEO.
Partner with the CEO and finance lead on the annual budget, forecasting, monthly financial reviews, workflow, process development and adoption, task management, and decisions requiring CEO 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.
Coordinate with the CEO to manage the CEO’s calendar, meetings, and inbox as a strategic tool, protecting time for high-value work.
Support the CEO’s weekly operating rhythm, including priorities and a follow-up tracker.
Act as an extension of the CEO to the executive team and staff on project updates, proposals, and planning.
Create and refine systems and processes to 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 as needed, including donor and stakeholder gatherings, policy gatherings, and community convenings, from concept and budgeting through execution, reporting, and follow-up.
Manage event vendors, venues, volunteers, and staff roles; track budgets and measure results against goals.
Represent Growing Up NM 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, or lobbyists and ensure activity complies with applicable lobbying and reporting rules.
Learn the organization, finance processes, funders, and key relationships; improve calendar and meeting preparation; build a CEO priorities and follow-up tracker; and meet the Board Chair, executive team, and top 10 stakeholders during the first 90 days.
Within six months, own the budget review rhythm and Board materials, deliver at least one signature event end to end, maintain and regularly upgrade a follow-up tracker, and complete at least two special projects.
Within 12 months, help enable the CEO to spend measurably more time on strategy, fundraising, and external relationships; support a reliable executive-team operating cadence; and help ensure stakeholders experience the CEO as responsive and well prepared.