Chief of Staff, Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona

Job: Chief of Staff, Headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, (Hybrid)

Are you a strategic problem solver who enjoys leading and empowering teams? Western National Parks Association (WNPA), a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service (NPS), home-based in Tucson, Arizona is seeking a Full-Time, Chief of Staff (COS).  As the Chief of Staff, a member of the Executive Leadership Team, they will oversee Human Resources, Learning and Development, Facilities, Board of Directors, and National Park Service Engagement. They will lead organizational initiatives and implement projects, goals, and processes in order to maximize staff potential. 

The Chief of Staff (COS) position is a key strategic leadership role focused on driving alignment and operational excellence across the organization.  This position will be expected to provide strategic oversight and empower direct reports to execute effectively. They will work closely with the CEO to implement high-priority projects and organizational goals while working collaboratively to champion WNPA’s mission, culture, and values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This role is responsible for completing the following tasks and any related tasks as assigned:

Human Resources & Talent

• Provide strategic oversight of the Human Resources function, ensuring alignment with employee needs, WNPA’s mission, and organizational goals.
• Empower the Associate Director of HR to lead recruitment, retention, and employee relations, providing guidance and ensuring these initiatives align with organizational priorities.
• Guide the development and implementation of HR policies to foster inclusivity, legal compliance, and clarity across the organization.
• Drive WNPA’s core values by cultivating trust, collaboration, and accountability across all teams, fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace where employees feel valued and aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Leads the voice of Human Resource communications, ensuring clear, consistent, and transparent messaging that aligns with organizational values, fosters employee engagement, and supports a positive workplace culture.
• Oversee comprehensive compensation strategies and succession planning initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, market trends, and equity principles to attract, retain, and develop top talent. This includes conducting salary benchmarking, overseeing pay equity initiatives, and implementing performance-based compensation strategies
• Oversee and streamline processes to ensure all employees have the resources, tools, and uniforms needed to work effectively and efficiently.
• Other duties as assigned.

Employee Development & Training

• Oversee the strategic vision for employee training and professional growth programs, aligning with WNPA’s mission and partner park needs.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Learning and Development to drive a culture of continuous learning while delegating program design, execution, and logistics.
• Ensure effective communication and engagement between the home office and a dispersed workforce to foster alignment with organizational goals.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Initiatives

• Own and lead the JEDI committee, action plan, and organizational initiatives.
• Develop strategic frameworks to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization.
• Partner with HR and L&D to integrate JEDI principles into recruitment, training, and engagement strategies.

Leadership Support

• Partner closely with the CEO and leadership team to develop, implement, and ensure accountability for key strategic initiatives, serving as a trusted advisor and proactive problem-solver.
• Facilitate leadership meetings by driving agenda development, guiding decision-making, ensuring follow-through on action items, and escalating issues to maintain focus and organizational alignment.
• Provide rapid and well-considered recommendations during crises to mitigate risks and maintain organizational stability, acting as a stabilizing force across the leadership team.
• Support process improvement initiatives and special projects for the leadership team by recommending and implementing changes that increase capacity, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Oversee and streamline the process for reviewing and approving monthly direct report expense and reimbursement requests on behalf of the CEO, ensuring timeliness and compliance.

Tribal Stewardship

• Lead and execute tribal stewardship initiatives, fostering partnerships that honor Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
• Develop and guide the creation of a Tribal Advisory Council, ensuring diverse representation and meaningful collaboration.
• Facilitate communication and integration of tribal stewardship principles across WNPA programs and departments.

Project Management & Process Improvement

• Own and lead cross-functional strategic initiatives, driving accountability and alignment with WNPA goals.
• Empower direct reports to execute process improvements, providing oversight, removing roadblocks, and promoting innovation.
• Lead and drive the execution of special initiatives assigned by the CEO, including organizational development, program implementation, and other high-priority projects that advance WNPA's mission and strategic goals.

Facilities and Administrative Oversight

• Provide oversight for facilities management and home office operations, ensuring a safe and productive environment.
• Delegate operational tasks such as office management and facility logistics to the Business Manager, ensuring alignment with organizational needs.
• Develop home office employee workspaces, public spaces, and working areas to promote collaboration, flexibility, and alignment with WNPA’s mission, values, and goals.

Board of Directors & National Park Service Engagement

• Collaborate with the CEO and Business Manager to develop high-impact strategies for board meetings, engagement, and field trips, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and strategic goals.
• Provide strategic oversight for board communications and content, including presentations, resources, and training. Ensure the board’s online portal (Board Effect) is engaging, informative, and aligned with governance best practices.
• Actively contribute as a member of the Board of Directors, JEDI, and Governance Committees, advancing initiatives that align with WNPA’s mission and core values.
• Drive board governance innovation by monitoring trends, proposing improvements, and ensuring compliance with bylaws and best practices.
• Steward engagement and partnerships with the National Park Service (NPS) by fostering proactive communication, leading collaborative initiatives, and aligning organizational goals to drive joint program success.
• Monitor compliance with NPS agreements, ensuring deadlines and requirements are met, and escalate any risks or challenges as needed.
• Collaborate with the CFO/EVP Operations to review and approve contracts, ensuring they align with organizational policies and goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and mentor the Associate Director of Human Resources, Associate Director of Learning and Development, and Business Manager.
• Provide strategic direction to these roles, empowering them to lead their areas of expertise while ensuring cohesion and alignment with organizational goals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

For a specific list of physical demands, please contact Human Resources at Recruiting@WNPA.org to request.

TRAVEL

Occasional to frequent travel may be required to various local events or speaking engagements. Additionally, occasional overnight trips may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

This role must possess advanced to expert knowledge of, skill in, and/or ability in the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, applied human resource management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a leadership role focusing on operations, strategic initiatives, human resources, or organizational development. 
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including board members, donors, and community leaders.
• Experience with variety of computer programs including but not limited to Internet, databases, Video conferencing software (i.e. Zoom) and Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint), experience with RetailPro a Plus but not required.
• Proven experience in executive leadership or senior management roles, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Expertise in managing high-level direct reports and fostering leadership across teams.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and process improvement.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to JEDI principles and experience leading diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• Knowledge of tribal stewardship practices and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
• Commitment to advancing WNPA’s mission and values.
• Passion for national parks and public lands.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

We are committed to providing you with an outstanding employee benefits package and support. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for:

• Choice of 3 premium subsidized PPO Medical plans with built-in HSA or HRA, PPO Dental, Vision, Flex Medical Savings Plan, Dependent Care Savings Plan, Optional Voluntary Term Life, and 403(b) Retirement Plan with a fully vested 100% match up to 8.33% of income after 6 months service.
• Company Paid Benefits include: Short- & Long-Term Disability, a $50,000 Employee Group Life policy, EAP, and Health & Wellness resources. 
• Eleven paid holidays, additional paid personal day, accrued paid vacation, and sick time. 
• Employee Appreciation: 15% Discount on employee purchases in-store.
• Employee Referral Bonuses

(This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.)

Western National Parks Association is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.  WNPA makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.