Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer

JOB SUMMARY The Chief of Staff reporting to the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for providing strategic guidance, operational support, and executive leadership to ensure the vision and organizational objectives are effectively executed. This role involves acting as a confidant and advisor, providing strategic insights into business decisions, and managing the operational aspects to optimize efficiency and productivity. The Chief of Staff will lead and manage special projects, maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information, and collaborate on executive-level communications. The role also includes building relationships with key stakeholders, participating in executive meetings, and contributing to long-term strategic planning. This role also collaborates closely with the senior leadership team and is responsible for executing C-suite-level projects and initiatives, creating presentations and materials, as well as preparing and analyzing data to support these initiatives. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Key Responsibilities: •Act as a confidant and advisor, providing strategic insights and analysis on organizational operations and business decisions •Foster and maintain relationships to act as a key resource and as a designated liaison for important stakeholders, aiming to address complex challenges and advance strategic initiatives •Oversee the operational aspects, optimizing processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and productivity •Lead and manage special projects, ensuring timely delivery and achievement of objectives •Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information, handling it with the utmost discretion and professionalism •Anticipate and mitigate risks to the organization's reputation, proactively addressing challenges as they arise •Contribute to the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans and initiatives, aligning them with organizational objectives •Represent the organization in various communities and professional organizations at the local, state, and national level •Participate in executive meetings, documenting key points, and ensure the communication and completion of action items •Oversee strategic business initiatives, from development through successful execution, under the guidance of senior leadership •Assist and communicate with executives in decision-making, program management, and initiative implementation •Review, design, and propose improvements to organizational structures, identifying and addressing knowledge and skills gaps •Provide expert guidance to department heads to enhance team efficiency overall. •Performs other duties and special projects as assigned COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES •Strong Cognitive Emotional Management (CEM) skills •Strategic Thinking and Leadership •Strong analytical and problem-solving skills •Excellent verbal and written communication skills •Discretion and judgment •Committed to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality •Exceptional organizational skills and impeccable attention to detail •Ability to manage a high volume of tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment •Ability to respond quickly and effectively to urgent situations •Effective task prioritization •Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS •Bachelor's degree or higher education in Business Administration, Management, or a related field, or equivalent level of experience •7 or more years of executive support experience, including supporting C-suite executives •Experience in Business Operations or as Business Analyst preferred •Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) •High technological proficiency, enabling effective engagement with digital tools and platforms to enhance productivity and innovation •High degree of professionalism in interacting with diverse groups of stakeholders, including board members, senior executives, staff, community leaders, and donors •Experience in planning and leading strategic initiatives •Versatile abilities and extreme dedication to efficient productivity •Commitment to the mission and values of Step Up For Students   CORE VALUES Step Up For Students believes strongly in two key core values to carry out their mission of “Empowering families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children”: •Everyone is an asset •Every event is an improvement opportunity To maintain a positive and effective organizational culture, employees are expected to demonstrate these two core values in their everyday work.   WORKING CONDITIONS/EQUIPMENT USE •Work is performed indoors in a typical office environment - not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. •Travel is expected. •Valid driver license with proof of insurance. •Must be able to lift up to fifteen (15) pounds. •Frequent use of office machines to include telephone, computer, and printer.