Chief of Staff

Job Description:

The Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and a member of the executive leadership team of ISTE+ASCD, driving organizational effectiveness, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration. This role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate complex educational landscapes, manage high-priority projects, and ensure seamless execution of the organization's mission to ensure every student has access to transformational learning experiences.

Key Responsibilities

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Strategic Leadership & Executive Support

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing strategic counsel on organizational priorities, stakeholder relationships, and critical decisions
• Lead the preparation for and follow-up from board meetings and executive team meetings
• Track priority action items and manage the CEO's priorities to ensure focus on the highest-impact activities
• Facilitate executive team meetings and strategic planning sessions, ensuring alignment across all divisions

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Organizational Operations & Effectiveness

• Oversee cross-functional initiatives that span multiple departments, ensuring projects stay on track and deliver intended outcomes
• Design and implement systems for tracking organizational KPIs and progress toward strategic goals
• Lead special projects and new initiatives from conception through implementation
• Identify and address operational bottlenecks that impede organizational effectiveness

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Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Represent the CEO and organization in key meetings with partners, funders, and educational leaders
• Coordinate internal communications to ensure consistent messaging and organizational alignment
• Support crisis management and rapid response efforts when needed

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Team Leadership & Culture

• Build and lead a high-performing Office of the CEO team
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization
• Mentor emerging leaders and support talent development across departments

PRIORITY WILL BE PROVIDED TO CANDIDATES LIVING IN THE DC METRO AREA (MD, DC, or Northern VA); you will be REQUIRED to come into the Arlington, VA office one day per week.

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Required Qualifications

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Education & Experience

• Advanced degree in Education, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in senior management roles
• Experience in education, educational technology, or nonprofit sectors strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives

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Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas for diverse audiences
• Strong project management expertise with proven ability to drive results in ambiguous environments
• Deep understanding of the education landscape, including current trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Proficiency with data analysis and using insights to drive decision-making
• Experience with change management and organizational transformation

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Leadership Qualities

• High emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust quickly across all organizational levels
• Diplomatic approach with the ability to navigate sensitive situations and competing priorities
• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort in fast-paced, evolving environments
• Commitment to educational equity and improving outcomes for all learners
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with membership organizations or professional associations
• Knowledge of educational technology trends and digital learning best practices
• Background in policy development or advocacy within the education sector
• Experience managing relationships with corporate partners and funders