Position Title: Chief of Staff
Department: Administration
Job Classification: Full-Time: 40 hours/week
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: President & CEO
Revision Date: October 30, 2026
Summary:
The Chief of Staff is a force multiplier for the President & CEO: a trusted, senior partner who takes on whole areas of work so the President & CEO can spend more time on vision, relationships, and impact. As a strategist, consultant and implementer, the Chief of Staff will ensure streamlined activities based on the priorities of the President & CEO. Ensuring smooth operations of the finance team and functions is a priority and significant area of responsibility. Reliability, confidentiality, and accuracy are essential. Regular travel, both locally and across New Mexico, is required.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Strategic partnership and special projects
- Lead cross-functional special projects from beginning to end, such as new 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 the CEO's thought partner on strategy, priorities, and tradeoffs; pressure-test decisions and flag risks early.
- Prepare briefings, talking points, and background research so the CEO walks into every room prepared.
Financial management and operations
- Partner with the CEO and finance lead on the annual budget, forecasting, and monthly financial review; work flow, process development and adoption, task management, and decisions that need 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.
- Help build and improve internal systems, processes, accountability and metrics that keep the finance department running efficiently.
CEO time and internal priorities
- Screen and prioritize requests, represent the CEO when appropriate, and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
- In close coordination with the CEO, manage the CEO calendar, meetings, and inbox as a strategic tool, protecting time for high-value work.
- Support the CEO's weekly operating rhythm: priorities and follow-up tracker.
- Serve as an extension of the CEO to the executive team and staff on project updates, proposals, and planning.
- Create and refine systems and processes that streamline operations, and ensure efficient functions and service delivery in collaboration with senior leaders.
- Follow the organization's ethics and compliance policies.
Events and convenings
- Plan and manage signature events as needed including donor and stakeholder gatherings, policy gatherings, and community convenings, from concept and budget through day-of execution plus reporting and follow-up.
- Manage vendors, venues, volunteers, and staff roles; track event budgets and measure results against goals.
- Represent Growing Up NM at events and programs, including some evenings and weekends
Board and stakeholders relations and communication
- Work with the CEO and Board Chair to schedule , coordinate and plan Board and committee meetings, prepare materials, and track action items.
- Attend 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 CEO and VP of Policy, coordinate with partners, coalitions, and consultants or lobbyists, and ensure all activity complies with applicable lobbying and reporting rules.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- 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 size 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; able to draft in another voice.
- Sound judgment, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to act without close direction.
- Proficiency with Microsoft and Google products and project management, and ability to quickly learn new tools and software.
Preferred
- 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.
Attributes
- A 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 mission and to the families and communities Growing Up NM serves.
- Willingness to travel across New Mexico and work occasional evenings and weekends.
Other requirements
- Ability to pass a 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.
What Success Looks Like
Time frame and Outcomes:
First 90 Days
Learn the organization, finance processes, funders, and key relationships; upgrade calendar, and meeting prep; build a CEO priorities and follow-up tracker; meet the Board Chair, executive team, and top 10 stakeholders.
6 Months
Own the budget review rhythm and Board materials; deliver at least one signature event end to end; maintain a follow up tracker with regular upgrades; complete at least two special projects.
12 Months
The CEO spends measurably more time on strategy, fundraising, and external relationships; the executive team runs on a reliable operating cadence; stakeholders see the CEO as responsive and well prepared; the CEO and Chief of Staff agree the role is delivering leverage..
