Chief of Staff, People & Strategy

Zendesk, Inc.; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Zendesk, Inc. in the United States seeks a strategic, senior leader to partner with the CPO and drive the People team's strategy, planning, and operating cadence.

You will own portfolio management, budgeting, executive communications, board materials, and global People initiatives, shaping priorities and delivering measurable results with a data-informed approach. This role blends leadership with hands-on project management in a global, hybrid environment, leveraging AI-enabled tools while

Qualifications

• 10+ years in business strategy/operations or similar.
• 4+ years partnering with C-suite or senior leaders.
• Experience leading enterprise planning and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience developing exec and Board materials with financial data.
• Budgets, forecasting, or financial planning experience with Finance.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute People team strategic priorities and annual plans.
• Lead portfolio management across People initiatives and surface trade-offs.
• Own planning process and budget rhythm with Finance.
• Develop clear narratives and materials for Board and exec discussions.
• Plan leadership offsites and pre-reads; drive accountable actions.
• Coordinate All Hands and engagement moments across a global team.
• Collaborate with People Leadership Team and cross-functional partners.
• Lead high-priority, confidential projects from diagnosis to measurable results.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Discretion and judgment

Prioritization & portfolio mgmt

Budgeting & forecasting

Influence without authority

Ambiguity management

AI-enabled tools awareness

Job description

Zendesk, Inc. in the United States seeks a strategic, senior leader to partner with the CPO and drive the People team's strategy, planning, and operating cadence.

You will own portfolio management, budgeting, executive communications, board materials, and global People initiatives, shaping priorities and delivering measurable results with a data-informed approach. This role blends leadership with hands-on project management in a global, hybrid environment, leveraging AI-enabled tools while