Chief of Staff to School Board Member

Chief of Staff

The Office of M-DCPS School Board Member Luisa Santos (District 9) is seeking a strategic, organized, and mission-driven individual to serve as Chief of Staff (CoS). The CoS will lead strategic planning, manage office operations and personnel, and serve as a key advisor to the Board Member. This role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to work independently under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Policy Leadership

• Provide strategic vision and manage the execution of the Board Member’s policy, budget, communications, operations, and community engagement priorities.
• Manage all aspects of our D9 Policy Roadmap priorities, including but not limited to researching, developing, and submitting school board policy proposals to be presented to The School Board and leading high-impact special projects and events.
• Advise the Board Member on M-DCPS Board agenda items, budget decisions, reports, and proposed policies, as well as critical issues and emerging developments.
• Prepare the Board Member for and attend M-DCPS Board meetings, committee meetings, and other related activities.

Office & Personnel Management

• Oversee day-to-day office operations, communications, project management, and logistics to ensure efficient office policies and procedures.
• Lead office talent management, including talent pipeline building, hiring, onboarding, and professional development of the District 9 team (4-5 staff, fellows, and student interns).
• Leads and nurtures a values-aligned team culture rooted in solutions-oriented thinking, collaboration, accountability, and trust, ensuring team dynamics and workflows support office goals and a positive work environment.
• Develop and manage the office budget, including contracts, payroll, expenditures, reimbursements, and reconciliation processes.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations applicable to a constitutionally elected official’s office.

Scheduling & Relationship Management

• Coordinate the Board Member’s calendar, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and acting as both gatekeeper and gateway for access to her time, creating win-win situations for direct access to the Board Member’s time and office.
• Keep the Board Member well-informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, with timely follow-through and support.
• Maintain and deepen relationships with stakeholders by managing outreach and follow-up from Board Member engagements.

Representation & External Affairs

• Communicate directly and on behalf of the Board Member with other Board offices, M-DCPS staff, press, and key external partners.
• Represent the Board Member at meetings, advisory committees, community functions, and public events.

Execution & Prioritization

• Balance competing priorities, manage sensitive issues with discretion, and drive projects through to timely completion.
• Anticipate needs, mitigate challenges proactively, and maintain a solutions-oriented approach under pressure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Education, Public Administration, Policy, or relevant field, or equivalent professional experience
• 7 years of professional experience in government, education, nonprofit, or public service leadership, with at least 3 years of management experience
• Exceptional relationship management skills, written and oral communication abilities, and the ability to manage and flexibly support a team of highly capable professionals
• Creative, collaborative, and strategic thinking to guide a team to deliver high-quality results on multiple priorities simultaneously
• Understanding of and successful experience in the communities of District 9 and Miami-Dade County
• Demonstrated commitment to student achievement and educational equity
• Experience advising senior leaders and navigating complex political or organizational environments
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive matters
• Optional: Microsoft Suite, Outlook, G-suite, Slack, Airtable, project-management software, Zapier, Calendly, Website development (Wix, Wordpress, etc), SAP, BlueZone

Start Date: May 27, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter

Location: Offices in Homestead and Downtown Miami; events and meetings throughout Miami-Dade County; some remote work

Type of position: Full-Time, Year-Round; Reports to Board Member

Salary: $85,000-$105,000

To Apply: luisasantos.com

Miami-Dade School Board District 9 is the largest School Board District in M-DCPS, serving 49,811 students at 52 Pre-K- 12 Educational Centers in the unique and diverse communities of Florida City, Homestead, Naranja, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Richmond Heights, Perrine, and Pinecrest. The District 9 team works collaboratively and strategically with school and district staff, families, community and labor partners, government agencies, and others to ensure all students are fully prepared for college, career, and life. We are an equal-opportunity employer and value a diverse and mission-driven team. To learn more about our office visit luisasantos.com.

Background Screening for the Selected Candidate (External Candidates)

Please click on the link below for information on M-DCPS Employment Standards, Drug Testing and Fingerprinting requirements in order to be hired as an employee.

Type of position: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Ability to Commute:

• Miami, FL 33132 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Miami, FL 33132: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Miami, FL 33132

Salary : $85,000 - $105,000