Chief of Staff to the COO at Food For Education

About the role

The Chief of Staff to the COO will serve as a strategic partner and right-hand to the Chief Operating Officer, ensuring the seamless execution of operational priorities and strategic initiatives. This role requires a combination of operational expertise, strategic thinking, and exceptional communication skills. The Chief of Staff will act as a force multiplier for the COO, driving cross-functional collaboration, managing key projects, and ensuring alignment across the organization. This role is ideal for someone who aspires to become a COO or seeks hands-on experience in high-level operational and strategic decision-making within a fast-growing organization. The role is about driving impact, not managing calendars.

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Strategic Support

• Partner with the COO to develop, execute, and prioritize operational strategies that align with the organization’s strategic goals and the departments within Operations (expansion, business operations, business intelligence, technical operations, utilization, technology).
• Provide data-driven insights, analysis, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Monitor progress toward operational objectives and ensure accountability across teams.

Operational Excellence

• Streamline processes and improve efficiency across the Operations department and sub-functions, including better ways of working and communications methods and flows.
• Oversee the execution of high-priority projects and initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage key meetings, including agenda preparation and presentations, follow-up, and action item tracking.
• Drive results on key initiatives and projects on behalf of the COO through the internal consulting unit, acting as a right hand and proxy for the COO.

Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between the COO and all other departments, ensuring clear, timely, and consistent communication.
• Draft and review internal and external communications on behalf of the COO.
• Prepare COO for external events, including talking points and deck preparation, in collaboration with external communications partners, the Communications team, and the Development team.

Crisis Management and Problem-Solving

• Anticipate potential challenges and proactively address them.
• Support the COO in navigating high-pressure situations and crises.
• Act as a sounding board for the COO, offering solutions and alternative perspectives.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including members of F4E’s SLT and key managers in the Operations and other functions.
• Represent the COO in meetings and events as needed.
• Support the COO in managing relationships with board members, partners, and key stakeholders.

Desired Candidate Profile 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership, consulting, or operations role, preferably in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of managing complex projects and driving organizational change.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent presentation, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office, project management software, data analysis tools.
• Highly adaptable and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Strong sense of integrity and commitment to the organization’s mission and values.