Chief of Staff @ First Round Capital in San Francisco, CA

First Round Capital; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

VC Stack is looking for a Director of Program Operations to manage flagship programs that connect future founders with industry leaders. This role focuses on seamless execution of events, program development, and relationship management. The ideal candidate excels in project execution and has great communication skills.

The position is based in San Francisco, requiring at least three days in-office each week and travel for select events.

Qualifications

• Experience planning and executing large-scale events.
• Strong capacity to analyze program performance and optimize outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute flagship programs and events for future founders and industry leaders.
• Collaborate with leadership to define program priorities and goals.
• Build systems for guest lists and relationship management.

Skills

Exceptional project manager and executor

Excellent communication skills

Detail-oriented

Ability to lead executive stakeholders

Adaptable in fast-paced environments

Job description

First Round is a venture capital firm that works with founders exclusively at the earliest stages of company building, often when all they have is an “imagine if.” We fill in where we can until the team is filled out, tackling crucial early hiring and equipping those who are great at building product with the skills to sell it, too. By getting the foundational firsts right, we increase the odds of finding extreme product‑market fit. Our founders’ “imagine ifs” have turned into companies like Notion, Roblox, Uber, and Square.

About the Director of Program Operations Role

As Director of Program Operations on the Enablement team, you will play a pivotal role in managing and executing flagship programs and events that bring together future founders, industry leaders, investors, and other key members of the tech ecosystem. From playing a key role in delivering our Product Market Fit Method and Angel Track programs to curating intimate Supper Clubs, Salons, and Retreats, you will collaborate directly with our Partners and leadership to bring remarkable experiences to life. Your focus will be on managing the many moving parts behind the scenes – from designing seamless systems, to tracking and reporting on results, to getting hands‑on with day‑of event execution.

Your Core Responsibilities

Program Development

• Collaborate with leadership and key stakeholders to define program priorities, formats, and goals, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Analyze program performance using qualitative feedback and data to refine, scale, or sunset initiatives.

Program Operations

• Plan, manage, and track program and event timelines, budgets, vendors, and logistics.
• Optimize and maintain core resources, including event processes, calendars, templates, guest and vendor directories, and planning playbooks.
• Own internal communication and alignment, ensuring stakeholders stay proactively informed and on deadline.
• Ensure flawless management of key data about relationships, referrals, and results.

Relationship Management

• Build and manage systems (like a dynamic People & Relationship Directory) that make it easy to curate guest lists, prep hosts with meaningful context, and facilitate high‑value introductions across our ecosystem.
• Track, analyze, and surface key signals from our network to help the team identify relationship opportunities, measure program impact, and ensure our efforts lead to lasting value for our communities.

Event Execution

• Serve directly as our on‑ground facilitator for retreats and events when needed, and collaborate with our incredible Events Coordinator, Office Managers, EAs, and other team members to ensure flawless execution and an incredible experience for attendees.
• Bring authentic energy, presence, and charisma to the room—whether you’re hopping on the mic to MC, gracefully keeping a Partner on time during a content session, or going all‑in as the narrator of a late‑night Werewolf game. You understand that the tone of an event can unlock depth and vulnerability—and you’re not afraid to be the one who sets it.
• Nail the details – everything from vendor management and last‑minute seating adjustments to designing thoughtful conversation cards, creating a flawless event timeline, and ensuring every detail is perfect, down to the name tags and table settings.

You Could Be a Great Fit If:

• You’re an exceptional project manager and executor, balancing creativity with rigorous operational execution.
• You’re confident in leading executive stakeholders, setting clear expectations, and ensuring accountability for deadlines.
• You have excellent communication skills and can seamlessly collaborate across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• You are formidably detail‑oriented and identify with flawless execution and impeccably designed experiences.
• You embody extreme ownership, driving initiatives forward with autonomy and accountability.
• You are energized by experimentation and innovation across a large volume of event types and formats.
• You thrive in fast‑paced, dynamic environments and are able to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• You love working behind the scenes, taking pride in facilitating meaningful connections – even when they’re not directly with you.
• That said, you also know how to read the room and step into the spotlight— when to spark laughter, how to manage time while keeping energy high, and how to put guests instantly at ease. You set the tone for depth, connection, and just the right amount of fun.

This role is based in San Francisco and requires at least three days per week in-office, as well as availability to travel for select events in other key markets.