Chief of Staff to the CEO

WHO WE ARE

The Water Project unlocks human potential by building and connecting global networks of local leaders, communities of generous supporters, and an informed public to provide sustainable water and sanitation programs to needlessly suffering communities in developing countries. We are committed to bringing people together to solve the problem of finding clean water. Whether it's our local teams in the field, our international staff, our donors and fundraisers, or the communities we serve - we believe that people are the greatest solution to the water crisis.

At The Water Project, we prioritize the well-being of our team. We provide competitive salaries and excellent benefits, which include fully covered medical/dental/vision insurance, a 410(k) match, and a generous vacation policy (ask anyone!).

WHAT THE ROLE IS

The Chief of Staff is a full-time position located anywhere in the United States, reporting directly to our new CEO (Stan Patyrak, effective January 1, 2025) and will coordinate closely with The Water Project’s Department Head Leadership Team (5 persons: Innovation & Technology, MarCom, Operations, Philanthropy, and Program Leadership).

For reference, this position is considered to be a Level 3 Chief of Staff based on the Chief of Staff Leveling Framework (https://www.chiefofstaff.network/leveling-framework).

The Chief of Staff to the CEO is a cross-divisional, multifunctional role that plays a pivotal part in the development and execution of The Water Project’s strategic goals. This individual will manage the CEO's schedule and administrative tasks while also taking on broader organizational responsibilities, ensuring that projects and initiatives are executed with precision and followed through to completion. The Chief of Staff enables the CEO to focus on high-level strategic priorities by handling day-to-day operations and ensuring accountability across the organization.

In this hybrid role of Project Management, Executive Support, and Strategic Liaison, the Chief of Staff will be responsible for understanding the organization’s initiatives, managing relationships with stakeholders, and driving the successful execution of priorities. You will be comfortable taking initiative on / working on multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-energy, global environment. You will leverage your leadership capabilities to execute project plans, resolve issues, and escalate when necessary. Your role will contribute to exceeding expectations and advancing the mission of The Water Project.

A successful candidate thrives in taking thoughtful initiative, demonstrates excellent judgment, and can implement and iterate processes to improve organizational efficiency and engagement. Experience managing C-Suite engagements and working in a multicultural, nonprofit environment is essential.

When applying, we highly recommend speaking to specific, direct experience with the position's key responsibilities within your cover letter.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Executive Operations & Administrative Lead

• Enhance the effectiveness of the CEO by providing high-level operational and administrative support.
• Manage the CEO’s calendar, travel arrangements, and meeting coordination to ensure their time is focused on strategic priorities.
• Optimize the CEO’s workflow by handling donor relations, event logistics, and communications with a high degree of excellence.
• Support the CEO’s management of leadership team meetings, ensuring follow-through on action items and clear communication.
• Manage Board of Directors logistics, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, reports, and materials, and communicating with board members.

1. Strategic Partner, Executive Gap-Filler & Liaison

• Act as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, helping prioritize initiatives and ensuring key objectives are met.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO to translate visionary ideas into functional plans for the organization.
• Maintain a high level of mutual respect with the CEO, understanding and effectively translating their ideas into action.
• Ensure key messages are properly cascaded across the organization, fostering clear and consistent communication.

1. Project Leadership & Process Improvement

• Support the leadership of cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of strategic projects and initiatives.
• Liaise with the leadership team to ensure accountability for achieving agreed-upon commitments and KPIs.
• Identify and recommend areas for improvement in administrative and operational processes to increase efficiency.
• Lead the execution of initiatives, from gathering insights to communicating results and measuring impact.

1. Organizational Accountability & Performance Management

• Monitor organizational progress, ensuring that teams meet their goals and deadlines in alignment with the CEO's vision.
• Support the tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure organizational strategy is followed and targets are met.
• Develop systems to improve organizational tracking, visibility, and communication of projects and initiatives to ensure accountability.
• Ensure all departments consistently follow the organization’s core processes and operating systems.

1. Problem-Solving & Cultural Leadership

• Demonstrate a relentless focus on values alignment, simplicity, and clarity in all aspects of the role.
• Proactively identify bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies, addressing them before they become issues.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and cultural awareness in all organizational interactions.

WHO YOU ARE

Key Competencies & Expectations:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand how multiple systems within the organization work together.
• Executive Gap-Filler: Proactive in anticipating the needs of the CEO and taking independent initiative. Operates as a functional “do-er” on the CEO’s level.
• Project Management: Skilled in managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Communication: Plays an active role in communication, listening for understanding and taking action. Demonstrates respect and clarity in interactions across the organization.
• Organization: Balances conflicting priorities effectively, ensuring the completion of essential projects within critical deadlines.
• Proactivity: Demonstrates foresight in preventing potential issues by taking action in advance. Uses analytical skills to anticipate needs and interpret organizational challenges.
• Adaptability: Flexible in managing multiple conflicting priorities while maintaining composure and a positive demeanor. Demonstrates flexibility in the face of change.
• Team Player: Works as a competent member of the team, willingly providing back-up support for co-workers when appropriate and actively supporting group goals at all times.

Your qualifications must include:

• 5+ years of experience in roles blending executive support and operational/project management.
• 5+ years of experience working closely with senior nonprofit or business leaders, including C-suite level.
• 5+ years of experience designing and structuring senior-level engagements that support strategic outcomes.
• Extensive experience developing strategies that shape leadership decisions and enhance organizational impact.