Chief of Staff

About Robin Hood

Founded in 1988, Robin Hood is a 501(c)(3) public charity that finds, fuels, and creates the most impactful and scalable solutions lifting New Yorkers permanently out of poverty in New York City. We convene philanthropists, civil society organizations, government, businesses, nonprofits, community members, and those living in poverty to develop and advance programs and policies that can make the American Dream real here in New York City.

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[Please see full About Robin Hood section on our website]

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Reporting Relationship

The Chief of Staff will report to Robin Hood's Chief Executive Officer. The Chief of Staff is a senior leader at Robin Hood and will serve on the Executive team.

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Position Overview

This Chief of Staff role is uniquely positioned to drive systemic change in the fight against poverty in New York City. Operating at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution, the successful candidate will be a trusted advisor and senior operational leader who amplifies the impact of Robin Hood's $150 million annual giving and 300+ partner organizations.

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The Chief of Staff serves as a key strategic thought partner to the CEO and organizational integrator, with direct responsibility for translating Robin Hood's ambitious vision into measurable outcomes that lift New Yorkers out of poverty. This is a senior management and leadership role that requires a rare combination of strategic sophistication, operational excellence, and deep commitment to social justice—someone who can seamlessly navigate between boardroom strategy sessions with philanthropists and community meetings with grassroots advocates. The Chief of Staff will often function as an extension of the CEO, helping to effect the CEO’s priorities and vision throughout the organization.

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Working closely with the Executive team, the Chief of Staff will:

• Optimize CEO Impact: Design and manage systems that maximize the CEO's focus on the highest-leverage activities that advance organizational mission and revenue growth
• Drive Strategic Execution: Transform strategic vision into concrete action plans with clear accountability, ensuring Robin Hood's investments deliver maximum poverty-fighting impact
• Orchestrate Information Flow: Create robust communication systems that keep leadership informed, aligned, and responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges
• Represent Organizational Leadership: Serve as the CEO's proxy in critical internal and external meetings.
• Lead Complex Initiatives: Spearhead special projects that require cross-functional coordination, stakeholder management, and innovative problem-solving

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The Chief of Staff will also play a pivotal role in maximizing the effectiveness of Robin Hood's Board of Directors—ensuring these influential leaders are positioned to provide optimal governance, strategic guidance, and resource mobilization.

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This role requires occasional travel and flexibility to adapt to the dynamic needs of New York City's most impactful poverty-fighting organization.

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Our People Values

[Please see full Our People Values and Success Metrics on our website]

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Responsibilities

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Strategic Planning (30% of role)

• Develop and manage Robin Hood's multi-year strategic planning process, with significant engagement from the executive team, other staff, board members, and partners
• Lead the annual strategic planning cycle, translating multi-year vision into actionable priority plans with clear metrics and timelines
• Build and maintain accountability systems to track progress on annual and multi-year plans, including quarterly reviews and course corrections
• Serve as the primary integrator across departments to ensure strategic alignment and eliminate organizational silos

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Executive Team and the Office of the CEO (30% of role)

The Executive Team is a cabinet composed of Robin Hood's senior leadership that advises the CEO.

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• Serve on the Executive Team; lead Executive team meetings and agendas; and ensure timely follow-up of deliverables arising from executive team meetings
• Manage the CEO's office to ensure appropriate time utilization in relation to internal and external requirements
• Assist the CEO in developing, planning, and executing office-wide communications and events
• Work with all relevant stakeholders to prepare the CEO for internal and external meetings, presentations and events; provide staff support at external meetings, activities and events and ensure timely follow-up of all action items
• Create agendas, establish priorities, and drive the timely preparation and presentation of materials for all key internal meetings involving the CEO
• Represent the CEO at meetings and events, as requested; attend meetings with the CEO as needed

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Board Strategy & Governance (30% of role)

• Collaborate with the CEO, the Chair of the Board, and Robin Hood's executive team to support board engagement, relationship management and overall board communications. Ensure that Board members are informed, connected and enthusiastic, and able to execute governance responsibilities effectively
• Plan and manage all aspects of Board meetings, including logistics (in coordination with the Events team), agenda and compilation of Board materials
• Serve as staff lead for Board Executive committee meetings. Manage meeting agendas; ensure timely follow up of deliverables
• Work with all relevant internal stakeholders to prepare materials for the Board committee meetings
• Working in collaboration with Development, ensure that Board members' records and files are up-to-date and maintained in Salesforce. Maintain accurate files and records related to the Board members
• Assist in the development and planning of the annual Board strategy retreat
• Engage in root cause analysis on issues that impact board and committee success and propose alternate approaches to addressing the opportunity
• Serve as a resource to all board members
• In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, manage efforts around Board nominations and on-boarding of new members. Facilitate committee work and manage efforts around Board development in partnership with the Development department
• Serve as the key staff lead for the Board Governance and Nominating Committee, working in close collaboration with General Counsel and Chief Development Officer

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Special Projects (10% of role)

• Complete special projects as directed

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Qualifications

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Required Experience & Skills

• Strategic Leadership: Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to translate vision into executable plans and measurable outcomes
• Operational Excellence: At least 10-15 years professional experience, including at least 5 years of senior-level operational responsibility in nonprofit organizations and/or New York City/State government, with preference for experience in both sectors
• NYC Expertise: Deep knowledge of New York City's policy and programmatic landscape, with established relationships among government officials, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates in poverty-related policy areas
• Executive Presence: Proven ability to represent Robin Hood credibly with high-net-worth donors, government officials, community leaders, and senior leaders at Robin Hood.
• Management Excellence: Experienced manager adept at driving results through both direct reporting relationships and indirect influence, consensus-building, and collaboration

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Technical & Cultural Competencies

• Metrics-Driven Approach: Comfort working in data-driven environments with experience analyzing program outcomes and organizational performance metrics
• Technology Proficiency: Advanced skills with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), data analysis tools, project management platforms, and financial analysis/budget management
• Communication Excellence: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences from grassroots advocates to Fortune 500 executives
• Emotional Intelligence: High degree of self-awareness, humility, and diplomacy, with ability to operate effectively in high-stakes environments where sound judgment and confidentiality are critical

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Personal Attributes

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in dynamic environment, create structure where none exists, and execute under tight deadlines
• Strategic Vision: Capability to be both long-term strategic visionary and understand current operational realities
• Cultural Alignment: Comfort with Robin Hood's entrepreneurial, results-oriented culture and commitment to our mission of fighting poverty
• Interpersonal Excellence: Kindness, collegiality, and calm demeanor with a "no drama" approach to workplace relationships and challenges

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

[Please see full DEI Statement and Robin Hood Guiding Principles on our website]

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Compensation

Robin Hood offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and comparable to similar roles at leading New York City nonprofits and foundations.

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[Please read full compensation package on our website]

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We are committed to pay equity and transparent compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $240,000 - $275,000.

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This role is located in New York City. Under Robin Hood’s hybrid work policy, team members are expected to be in the office three days a week—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Applicants should reside within commuting distance of our New York City office. Please note that our in-office requirements are subject to change.

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To Apply

Please visit our website to complete our online application. Applications will only be accepted through Robin Hood’s website.

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Robin Hood is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply.