Chief of Staff

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $215,000- $240,000

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Position Summary

The Knight First Amendment Institute defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, policy advocacy, and public education. We aim to promote a system of free expression that is open and inclusive, that broadens and elevates public discourse, and that fosters creativity, accountability, and effective self-government. Since its establishment in 2016, the Institute has filed precedent-setting litigation, undertaken major interdisciplinary research initiatives, and become an influential voice in debates about the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age.

The Institute seeks an accomplished nonprofit leader, strategist, and manager who is passionate about organizational excellence and the Institute's mission to serve as its Chief of Staff.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Chief of Staff works in tandem with the Institute's Directors of Litigation, Research, Policy, and Communications, and in coordination with the Deputy Director of Operations, to communicate the Institute's vision and direction and oversee the daily operations and strategic initiatives of a dynamic and growing organization. Principal responsibilities include serving as the deputy to the Executive Director in conceiving and implementing the Institute's priorities and guiding Directors in the development, support, and evaluation of staff. The Chief of Staff also oversees the implementation and management of effective financial and administrative processes and takes a leadership role in modeling and maintaining the culture of curiosity, creativity, care, and accomplishment that has lifted the Institute to a position of leadership and influence at the intersection of free speech and new technology.

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Responsibilities

In partnership with the Executive Director and program Directors, and with the support of the Deputy Director of Operations, the Chief of Staff will:

• Organizational vision and performance.
  • Develop and hone the Institute's vision, program priorities, and goals, and design and oversee sustainable plans for program and organizational growth;
  • Oversee strategic planning discussions and the facilitation of periodic staff retreats;
  • Develop and write organizational and program strategic plans;
  • Translate organizational vision and plans into action, ensuring projects are completed and goals are achieved within budgets and on time;
  • Design and lead program and project evaluations; prepare annual reports and other progress reports and assessment materials;
  • Draft reports, presentations, talking points, correspondence and other communications with the board, funders, and other key partners;
  • Support the development and growth of the Institute's partnerships with Columbia's schools of Law, Journalism, Engineering, and International and Public Affairs.
• Staff Development and Management.
  • Develop staffing plans and coordinate with the Deputy Director of Operations in the recruitment, hiring, and orientation of new staff;
  • Manage annual staff reviews, promotions, and compensation processes;
  • Guide and support program directors in the development and management of their teams;
  • Identify staff training needs and solutions;
  • Provide a visible and supportive day-to-day leadership presence for all staff and facilitate effective communications at all levels.
  • Maintain an environment that fosters and celebrates personal and organizational success.
• Finance and Funding.
  • Prepare annual, multiyear, and project budgets and all related budget reports for the board, Columbia University stakeholders, and funders;
  • Develop fundraising plans, track grant and gift income, and endowment performance;
  • Oversee the Institute's financial operations and management and monitor and approve organizational transactions and expenses;
  • Oversee the preparation of grant proposals and reports, with the support of the development team.
  • Liaise with Columbia University's Tax, Human Resources, Development, and General Counsel's Offices to ensure the Institute's financial and operational compliance.
• Systems and Processes.
  • Cultivate operations and management systems that nurture creativity and innovation and reflect and promote the Institute's future-facing mission;
  • Orchestrate processes that support cross-program and interdisciplinary collaboration;
  • Analyze current technology and security infrastructure and work with staff to identify and adopt appropriate IT solutions;
  • Ensure that office facilities and services meet all organizational needs.
• The chief of staff will also:
  • Serve as second-in-command to the Executive Director as needed, including acting as a primary delegate and assuming leadership responsibilities.
  • Draft executive reports, presentations, talking points, correspondence, and other communications with the board, funders, and other key partners;
  • Serve as a key representative to the board, funders, and other strategic partners;
  • Lead special projects and initiatives.

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Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least 10 years of related professional experience and 5 years of experience at the senior management and strategic leadership level.

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Preferred Qualifications

• JD or advanced degree in a related field.
• Experience in an organization focused on cutting-edge issues and using interdisciplinary tools, including litigation, research, policy advocacy, and public education.

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Other Requirements

• Proven record of recognized, effective, and ethical leadership at the senior and strategic level.
• Demonstrated success managing mission-driven organizations with a strong commitment to organizational culture.
• Direct and successful experience in organizational planning, process management, staff development, and operational oversight.
• Exceptional communication and outstanding writing skills.
• Ability to manage, oversee, and align multiple systems and operations.
• Strategic and innovative thinker with a learning mindset, and an inspirational, supportive, collaborative colleague who builds trust across teams.
• Broad knowledge of human rights principles and values and of key issues at the intersection of free speech and new technologies.

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Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.