Chief of Staff

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

COMPENSATION: $150,000 - $160,000

POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Chief of Staff is a pivotal role at Space Foundation, designed to enable the CEO to remain focused on high-level strategic objectives by overseeing the detailed coordination and execution of the organization's initiatives as it evolves in a complex and dynamic space ecosystem. This role includes oversight of the Chief Executive office, ensuring seamless executive support and efficient office operations. Acting as a key advisor and representative of the CEO, the Chief of Staff may be asked to step in for external engagements when the CEO is traveling or unavailable. This role is critical for managing both internal and external stakeholders, allowing the CEO to concentrate on overall vision and growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following briefly describes the representative responsibilities of this job, but it is not intended to be a complete or all-inclusive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this position:

• Collaborate closely with the CEO to support the execution of strategic initiatives.
• One of the leaders asked to step in and attend external events and meetings when the CEO is traveling or unavailable, ensuring consistent communication and representation of the organization's goals and values.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and sounding board for the CEO, providing thoughtful insights and recommendations.
• Translate high-level strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring alignment across the organization.
• Foster a positive work environment and promote a strong organizational culture through servant leadership.
• Manage special projects and initiatives as directed by the CEO.
• Facilitates coordination, collaboration and quality control, as well as aligns internal stakeholders on various projects to ensure smooth and efficient internal operations.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including partners, donors, and other organizations, as needed to further the organization's mission and goals.
• Aligns strategic communications and engagements with organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Perform other duties and projects as may be assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

The following briefly describes knowledge, skills, abilities, and characteristics associated with this position, including any required experience, education, licensure, certification, or combination thereof:

• Strong understanding of organizational operations and dynamics.
• Professional demeanor and polished communication skills, experience with public relations desired.
• Proven ability to create a positive work environment and uphold a culture of collaboration and respect.
• Experience in translating broad strategic visions into tactical execution.
• Strong understanding of the space industry and the various components of the sector.
• High level of internal and external diplomacy, with the ability to effectively manage relationships and navigate complex interactions.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently and effectively.
• Competent written and verbal communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Individuals in this position will generally work indoors and will have a workspace designated solely for them. Necessary office furnishings, equipment, and supplies will be provided by the Space Foundation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may periodically be required to work outdoors and would be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee may periodically be required to work in an offsite environment or at special events, and from time to time may be asked to travel on Space Foundation business, at the Foundation's expense. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

JOB STATUS:

FLSA Classification: This position is Exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay.

Nature of Position: This is a full-time position in nature. An individual in this position will regularly work a schedule consisting of 40+ hours per week.

Work Location: This position's primary work site is the Space Foundation Headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO. It is a requirement that this position be based there. This position is eligible for Space Foundation's hybrid work policy, which involves three days in the office and the ability to work remotely two days per week.

Regular Schedule: The position's usual business days are Monday through Friday, and its usual business hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. in the time zone in which it is located. However, the position will require occasional evening and weekend availability to serve the organization's needs.