Chief of Staff

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Position Title:                    Chief of Staff

Department:                      Administration

Job Classification:          Full-Time: 40 hours/week  

FLSA Status:                      Exempt

Reports to:                         President & CEO

Revision Date:                October 30, 2026

Summary:

The Chief of Staff is a force multiplier for the President & CEO: a trusted, senior partner who takes on whole areas of work so the President & CEO can spend more time on vision, relationships, and impact.  As a strategist, consultant and implementer, the Chief of Staff will ensure streamlined activities based on the priorities of the President & CEO. Ensuring smooth operations of the finance team and functions is a priority and significant area of responsibility. Reliability, confidentiality, and accuracy are essential. Regular travel, both locally and across New Mexico, is required.

Growing Up New Mexico (GUpNM) seeks to ensure every young child thrives through high-quality early learning, family support and lasting systems change by partnering with families, the adults in their lives, communities, and leaders. GUpNM is comprised of programs and services that integrates home visiting, early intervention, early care and education, and wraparound support in a cohesive, accessible, and sustainable system for children, families, early childhood professionals, and our communities.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Strategic partnership and special projects

• Lead cross-functional special projects from beginning to end, such as new initiatives, partnerships, campaigns, events, and organizational change processes.
• Translate the CEO's vision into plans, timelines, owners, and follow-through; keep the executive team aligned and accountable.
• Serve as the CEO's thought partner on strategy, priorities, and tradeoffs; pressure-test decisions and flag risks early.
• Prepare briefings, talking points, and background research so the CEO walks into every room prepared.

Financial management and operations

• Partner with the CEO and finance lead on the annual budget, forecasting, and monthly financial review; work flow, process development and adoption, task management, and decisions that need the CEO's attention.
• Support grant and contract oversight, including deadlines, compliance, and reporting to funders and public agencies.
• Prepare and/or present summaries for the Board, Finance Committee, and funders.
• Help build and improve internal systems, processes, accountability and metrics that keep the finance department running efficiently.

CEO time and internal priorities

• Screen and prioritize requests, represent the CEO when appropriate, and handle sensitive matters with discretion.
• In close coordination with the CEO, manage the CEO calendar, meetings, and inbox as a strategic tool, protecting time for high-value work.
• Support the CEO's weekly operating rhythm: priorities and follow-up tracker.
• Serve as an extension of the CEO to the executive team and staff on project updates, proposals, and planning.
• Create and refine systems and processes that streamline operations, and ensure efficient functions and service delivery in collaboration with senior leaders.
• Follow the organization's ethics and compliance policies.

Events and convenings

• Plan and manage signature events as needed including donor and stakeholder gatherings, policy gatherings, and community convenings, from concept and budget through day-of execution plus reporting and follow-up.
• Manage vendors, venues, volunteers, and staff roles; track event budgets and measure results against goals.
• Represent Growing Up NM at events and programs, including some evenings and weekends

Board and stakeholders relations and communication

• Work with the CEO and Board Chair to schedule , coordinate and plan Board and committee meetings, prepare materials, and track action items.
• Attend meetings and draft accurate minutes for review and approval. Maintain organized digital and physical archives of board resolutions, policies and membership rosters.
• Draft and edit correspondence, newsletters, and other materials in coordination with the communications team.
• In consultation with CEO and VP of Policy, coordinate with partners, coalitions, and consultants or lobbyists, and ensure all activity complies with applicable lobbying and reporting rules.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit leadership, government, public policy, campaigns, or a similar field, including at least 3 years supporting senior executives or leading complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience with budgets and financial reporting, including grants, contracts, or public funding.
• Track record of planning and executing events of varying size on time and on budget.
• Experience working with elected officials, agency leaders, or advocacy coalitions, and a working understanding of the New Mexico political landscape.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication; able to draft in another voice.
• Sound judgment, discretion with confidential information, and the ability to act without close direction.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google products and project management, and ability to quickly learn new tools and software.

Preferred

• Master's degree in public policy, public administration, business, or a related field.
• Experience in politics, organizational management, early childhood, education, health, or family services.
• Fundraising or donor stewardship experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, or familiarity with New Mexico's tribal and cultural communities.

Attributes

• A self-starter who anticipates needs and closes loops without being asked.
• Comfortable telling the CEO hard truths and disagreeing respectfully.
• Calm under pressure, with a high standard for quality and follow-through.
• Committed to the mission and to the families and communities Growing Up NM serves.
• Willingness to travel across New Mexico and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Other requirements

• Ability to pass a mandatory background clearance required of all childcare workers in the State of New Mexico.
• Regular computer and phone use, extended sitting, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are available.

What Success Looks Like

Time frame and Outcomes:

First 90 Days

Learn the organization, finance processes, funders, and key relationships; upgrade calendar, and meeting prep; build a CEO priorities and follow-up tracker; meet the Board Chair, executive team, and top 10 stakeholders.

6 Months

Own the budget review rhythm and Board materials; deliver at least one signature event end to end; maintain a follow up tracker with regular upgrades; complete at least two special projects.

12 Months

The CEO spends measurably more time on strategy, fundraising, and external relationships; the executive team runs on a reliable operating cadence; stakeholders see the CEO as responsive and well prepared; the CEO and Chief of Staff agree the role is delivering leverage..