Chief of Staff – People Strategy & Operations

Zendesk, Inc.; California; Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

Zendesk, Inc. is seeking a strategic Chief of Staff to partner with the Chief People Officer. You will shape priorities, manage the People portfolio, and align planning, budgeting, and communications to drive meaningful outcomes for employees and the business.

You will lead executive-level narratives, coordinate offsites, and support Board discussions, while partnering cross-functionally to accelerate high-priority initiatives across a global organization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in business strategy or related strategic role.
• 4+ years partnering directly with C-suite or senior leaders.
• Experience leading enterprise planning and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience developing executive materials and Board-level reports.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting, or financial planning with Finance.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the CPO to shape and execute the People team's strategic priorities and annual plans.
• Lead portfolio management across People initiatives—clarify outcomes, dependencies, risks, and progress.
• Own the People team planning process and budget rhythm with Finance and leaders.
• Prepare for Board/executive discussions with clear narratives and materials.
• Plan and facilitate People Leadership Team offsites and leadership engagements.
• Coordinate People Team All Hands and global engagement moments.
• Collaborate across functions as part of Zendesk's Chief of Staff community.
• Lead high-priority, confidential special projects for the CPO from diagnosis to results.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Executive communication

Discretion

Data-driven prioritization

Influence leaders

Ambiguity tolerance

AI tools

Job description

Zendesk, Inc. is seeking a strategic Chief of Staff to partner with the Chief People Officer. You will shape priorities, manage the People portfolio, and align planning, budgeting, and communications to drive meaningful outcomes for employees and the business.

You will lead executive-level narratives, coordinate offsites, and support Board discussions, while partnering cross-functionally to accelerate high-priority initiatives across a global organization.