Chief of Staff

Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI) seeks a Chief of Staff to act as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive team, translating strategy into action and driving alignment across scientific and operational priorities. You will oversee high-priority initiatives, board materials, and executive decision-making, while supporting HR and organizational culture in a ramp-up phase.

The role requires a high level of integrity, discretion, and an ability to navigate complex

Qualifications

• Experience translating strategy into action and driving organizational priorities.
• Ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives and executive decision-making processes.
• Proven track record in preparing board materials and senior leadership communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills and capacity to influence without formal authority.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CEO/COO and leadership to drive strategic planning and execution across scientific and operational priorities.
• Track progress on initiatives, goals, and deliverables; ensure alignment and accountability.
• Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for the CEO, Board, and stakeholders.
• Support Board meetings, advisory forums, and executive engagements; liaise with internal teams and external partners.
• Lead or support special projects; identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional coordination

Executive support

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (MBA/MPA/MSc)

Job description

The Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, COO and executive team, supporting the execution of NGNRI’s scientific, operational, and organizational priorities. As a core member of the leadership team, this role will translate strategy into action, ensuring alignment, accountability, and momentum across the institute.

The successful candidate will be an analytical, highly adaptable leader with experience in complex, fast-paced environments. They will drive cross-functional coordination, manage high-priority initiatives, and support executive decision-making. The role will also oversee preparation of Board materials, facilitate internal communication, and support effective engagement with external stakeholders.

During NGNRI’s initial ramp-up phase, the Chief of Staff will additionally serve as Chief People Officer, helping to shape the organization’s culture, establish an environment where staff can thrive, and contribute to high-level strategy for recruitment and HR.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively across both scientific and operational domains, with a consistent focus on advancing NGNRI’s mission.

About the role

Partner with the CEO, COO and NGNRI executive team to drive strategic planning, priority setting, and execution of NGNRI’s mission

Track and ensure progress on key initiatives, goals, and deliverables across scientific and operational teams

Facilitate cross-functional coordination between research, operations, and external partners (including MSU, HFH, and the Gilbert Family Foundation)

Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for the CEO, Board, and key stakeholders

Support the planning and execution of Board meetings, advisory forums, and executive-level engagements

Serve as a liaison on behalf of the CEO to internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment and effective communication

Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the CEO

Identify and address organizational inefficiencies, recommending and implementing process improvements

Assist in developing and maintaining organizational structures, workflows, and governance processes

Support executive decision-making through analysis, synthesis of information, and scenario planning

Help foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance across NGNRI

Ensure sensitive matters are handled with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism

About you

High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism

Strategic thinker with strong execution focus

Adaptable, resourceful, and solutions-oriented

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders

Calm under pressure and capable of managing competing priorities

Strong sense of ownership and accountability

Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to influence without authority

Committed to advancing NGNRI’s mission and values

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in a strategy, operations, consulting, or leadership role, preferably in a scientific, healthcare, academic, or nonprofit environment

Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives and drive execution

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive level materials

High level of organizational capability and attention to detail

Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic environment

Experience supporting senior executives or working closely with leadership teams

Familiarity with research environments, biomedical organizations, or translational science is an asset

Experience with governance, board relations, or stakeholder engagement is a plus

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, MSc, or related field) preferred

About us

The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI)is a nonprofit organization focused on developing treatments and cures for Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and other neurological disorders and cancers with significant unmet need. Backed by the Gilbert Family Foundation and created in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) and Henry Ford Health (HFH), NGNRI brings together leading scientific and clinicalexpertiseto accelerate translational discovery.
Located within a new,state-of-the-artresearch facility in midtown Detroit, NGNRI offers a highly collaborative environment alongside MSU and HFH. The institute is equipped with advanced platforms—including organoid and stem cell models, AI-driven analysis, FACS, and CRISPR technologies—and provides access to extensive shared core facilities.
NGNRI supports both in-house researchers and visiting scientists, creating a dynamic, mission-driven ecosystem designed to advance innovation and deliver impact in an underserved field. As part of Detroit’s rapidly growing medical research campus, NGNRI offers a unique opportunity to contribute tocutting-edgescience within a vibrant and expanding hub.

NGNRI is in an early stage of development and relies on support from its founding organization, the Rocket Family of Companies, for some of its infrastructure, including talent acquisition. Like the institute itself, salary ranges and benefits are still under construction—they will be highly competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of NGNRI at any time. Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. NGNRI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at [e-mail].