Chief of Staff

Roadrunner Venture Studio

$150K — $180K *
Tampa, FL 33647In-Person
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years in defense, consulting, investment banking, private equity, or high-growth tech.
  • Experience in the defense/national-security ecosystem.
  • Familiarity with technical fields like photonics, semiconductors, or aerospace.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from conception to execution.
  • Exposure to M&A processes and portfolio operations.
  • Strong communication skills suitable for senior leaders and stakeholders.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.

Responsibilities

  • Drive strategic cross-functional initiatives from planning to execution.
  • Manage executive operating cycles including meetings and KPI reviews.
  • Prepare the CEO for Board and investor engagements.
  • Support acquisition due diligence and integration processes.
  • Build market and competitive analysis for strategic recommendations.
  • Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders like the Department of Defense.
  • Align communication efforts across executives and acquired businesses.

Benefits

  • Significant exposure and responsibilities at the executive level.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and broader operating roles.
  • Ownership of critical company priorities and initiatives.
Full Job Description
Chief of Staff

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Chief of Staff to work directly with the CEO during a period of rapid growth, acquisitions, and company building.

This is a highly strategic and operational role spanning M&A, government customers, investors, executive operations, and the integration of acquired businesses. The Chief of Staff will serve as a force multiplier to the CEO, taking ownership of critical priorities and helping build the systems and operating cadence required to scale the company.

The role offers significant exposure across the business and the opportunity to grow into a broader executive operating position as the company scales.
What You'll Do
  • Drive high-priority strategic and cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution.
  • Establish and manage executive operating rhythms, including leadership meetings, planning cycles, KPI reviews, and Board preparation.
  • Prepare the CEO for Board meetings, investor discussions, government engagements, and acquisition activity.
  • Support acquisition diligence, integration, and other corporate development initiatives.
  • Build analysis and recommendations around markets, competitors, investments, and strategic opportunities.
  • Support relationships with the Department of Defense, defense primes, federal agencies, investors, and other key stakeholders.
  • Drive alignment and communication across the executive team and acquired businesses.
  • Step into important operating gaps and special projects as the organization scales.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 7+ years of progressive experience across defense or government, consulting, investment banking, private equity or venture capital, corporate development, or high-growth technology companies.
  • Experience working in or around the defense and national-security ecosystem.
  • Experience with deeply technical or engineering-driven businesses such as photonics, semiconductors, aerospace, quantum, or advanced manufacturing.
  • Experience owning ambiguous, cross-functional initiatives and driving them to completion.
  • Exposure to M&A, including diligence, integration, or portfolio company operations.
  • Strong executive presence and experience working with senior leaders, Boards, investors, or government customers.
  • Exceptional written, analytical, and verbal communication skills.
  • High ownership, sound judgment, low ego, and a strong bias toward action.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
  • U.S. Government security clearance or ability to obtain one.
  • Bachelor's degree; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred.
Career Growth

This role is designed for a high-potential operator who wants to grow into executive leadership. As the company scales, the Chief of Staff will have opportunities for increasing ownership, P&L exposure, and progression into a broader operating role.

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