Chief of Staff

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland is seeking a Chief of Staff to partner with the CEO, translating strategy into action and aligning cross‑functional teams. You will steer high‑impact initiatives, oversee major projects, and act as a trusted proxy in key meetings to advance BGCO’s mission.

You will drive accountability across departments, support budgeting and forecasting, track KPIs, and enhance organizational transparency while fostering collaboration and staff development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading complex projects and priorities.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team and CEO's right‑hand.
• Collaborate with the CEO on strategic initiatives and ensure timely execution.
• Prepare and follow up for internal and external meetings, including board interactions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Executive support

Relationship management

Budgeting & forecasting

Problem-solving

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Budgeting software

Project management software

Job description

The Chief of Staff (COS) at Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO) is a key senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO. This individual will serve as a strategic partner, problem-solver, and high-level thinker who also excels at execution. The COS must be a master organizer and implementer, someone who thrives on turning strategy into action and managing complex projects with attention to detail and follow-through. This role requires exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to lead with influence, professionalism and respect. The COS will play a central role in supporting the CEO’s priorities, triaging challenges, managing relationships, and ensuring operational alignment across the organization. From long-term strategic planning to rolling up their sleeves for hands‑on implementation, the COS must be equally comfortable in the boardroom and in the day‑to‑day details. This individual must be flexible, solutions‑oriented, and ready to take initiative in a fast‑paced, evolving environment. This role is ideal for a high‑capacity, thoughtful leader who can build cohesion, foster collaboration, and be a trusted advisor to the CEO. The COS should be prepared to serve as a proxy for the CEO when needed and will be considered a key figure in succession planning.

About the Role:

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team and a right‑hand to the CEO.
• Collaborate with the CEO to manage strategic initiatives and ensure timely execution.
• Create meeting agendas, facilitate team alignment, and coordinate board and leadership priorities.
• Identify challenges before they escalate, providing clear solutions to the CEO.
• Act as a trusted proxy for the CEO in key meetings and communications.
• Lead special projects with discipline, urgency, and attention to budget, timeline, and mission.
• Cultivate cross‑departmental collaboration and communication.
• Foster team alignment and engagement through thoughtful leadership and influence.
• Drive accountability and innovation across departments by empowering staff and encouraging bold thinking.

Operational Management

• Manage high‑priority projects, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.
• Serve as a bridge between departments to ensure efficient and cohesive operations.
• Own the preparation and follow‑up for internal and external meetings, including board engagement.
• Ensure internal communications are aligned and facilitate organizational transparency.
• Support the CEO and department heads in tracking KPIs and implementing change.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage with board members, community leaders, funders, and strategic partners.
• Lead and support key staff including administrative roles and potentially HR.
• Promote a culture of performance, trust, and learning.
• Lead and manage performance and professional development systems for select administrative staff.

Additional Leadership Responsibilities

• Support annual budget development; assist department heads with budget management and forecasting.
• Oversee organizational performance tracking and accountability systems.
• Drive implementation of strategic initiatives and improvements.Identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• 10–15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, ideally in multi‑site or nonprofit settings.
• Demonstrated success managing people, projects, and priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead from the middle—with influence, tact, and discretion.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Comfortable operating at both a visionary and tactical level.
• Deep alignment with BGCO’s mission of youth empowerment and community development.
• Proficiency in project management, team leadership, and executive support.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background and reference checks.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Include a statement on commitment to diversity and inclusivity.