Senior Chief of Staff: Strategy, Board Engagement, Exec Ops

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. seeks a Chief of Staff to the President and Executive Director. This senior leader will align strategy with execution, serve as a trusted advisor, and act as the connective tissue across EDF’s leadership and management teams.

The role requires 15+ years in senior leadership within advocacy/policy/philanthropy, with strong judgment, diplomacy, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Hybrid work from NYC or DC, with a competitive rewards package.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in senior leadership roles in advocacy/policy/philanthropy.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s may substitute for up to 2 years.
• Ability to operate at the strategy-execution interface.
• Exceptional judgment and communication skills.
• Experience working with trustees, donors, and senior executives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor to the President and Executive Director.
• Lead strategy setting and resource allocation across the organization.
• Identify and resolve cross-functional issues affecting execution.
• Represent executive priorities with credibility to internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate board governance and donor engagement activities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Execution

Communication

Stakeholder management

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Master's degree may substitute for up to 2 years experience

Job description

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. seeks a Chief of Staff to the President and Executive Director. This senior leader will align strategy with execution, serve as a trusted advisor, and act as the connective tissue across EDF’s leadership and management teams.

The role requires 15+ years in senior leadership within advocacy/policy/philanthropy, with strong judgment, diplomacy, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Hybrid work from NYC or DC, with a competitive rewards package.