Chief of Staff - The Job Plugs

Position: Chief of Staff  

About the Organization 

The Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on promoting progressive policies. It collaborates with think tanks and movement organizations to address critical issues such as climate change, healthcare, workers' rights, and economic inequality. The CPCC provides educational resources, policy briefings, and updates on legislative activities to advocate for a more just and equitable society. Their work includes detailed analyses on a variety of topics like worker protection, economic security, environmental justice, and healthcare reform. They aim to build a more just, equitable, and resilient society through informed policy-making and community engagement.  It also supports initiatives like the 'Direct Pay' program for renewable energy projects. Their network approach unites community leaders, organizers, advocates, and policy experts to develop people-centered policies, aiming to build a more just, equitable, and resilient nation. 

About the Role 

The Chief of Staff is a key executive leadership role, working closely with the Executive Director to provide strategic direction and ensure organizational effectiveness. This position involves developing programs, managing external relations, and enhancing internal operations to keep the organization moving forward. The Chief of Staff will support executive decision-making, lead internal planning processes, and maintain organizational momentum. Responsibilities include overseeing program development, collaborating with Program Team Directors, and streamlining productivity and impact across the organization. Additionally, the role requires engaging with stakeholders, representing the organization in key meetings, and fostering a positive workplace culture. The Chief of Staff will play a crucial role in implementing new administrative strategies, goal setting, and professional development initiatives. A strong understanding of policy, social justice, and a proven track record in leadership and program management are essential. This position demands excellent interpersonal skills, a commitment to inclusivity, and the ability to balance attention to detail with a focus on the big picture. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Executive Director and as a member of the executive leadership team, the Chief of Staff will be responsible for the following areas. This position will also perform other duties as assigned; the omission of specific duties does not preclude the Executive Director from assigning duties logically related to this position. 

Organizational Strategic Leadership 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop program goals, content, and budget. 

• Executive Counsel: Advise the Executive Director to enhance productivity and impact through strategic communications and meeting preparation. 

• Program Team Collaboration: Ensure consistent strategic direction by supporting Program Team Directors in decision-making and initiative implementation. 

• Internal Planning: Coordinate internal planning processes, aligning with organizational goals and staff input. 

• Program Delivery and Evaluation: Oversee program delivery and evaluation, coordinating projects across departments for effective operations. 

• Executive Decision-Making: Support and lead executive decision-making processes. 

Collaboration and External Relations

• External Engagement: Manage relationships with external vendors, stakeholders, networks, and coalitions. 

• Representation: Represent the organization in funder meetings and identify prospective leads with the Executive Director or Director of Development. 

• Union-Leadership Relations: Provide strategic insight and administrative support in union relations, implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and represent management in negotiations. 

• Labor Management Committee: Respond to committee questions and develop proactive relationships with union representatives. 

• Administrative Strategies: Implement streamlined strategies, including organizational goal setting, professional development, and performance evaluations. 

People Management and Culture Building 

• Meeting Leadership: Direct agenda development for Program Team meetings. 

• Weekly Check-ins: Conduct weekly check-ins with Program Team Directors. 

• Capacity Management: Develop processes for managing and forecasting capacity needs. 

• Culture and Health: Implement processes to improve organizational culture, efficiency, and staff retention. 

• Staff Engagement: Strengthen organizational culture, promote inclusivity, and support staff engagement through initiatives and team-building activities. 

• Staff Morale: Enhance staff morale through regular check-ins and feedback. 

• Systems Integration: Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director to integrate systems and processes enhancing people, culture, and morale. 

Organizational Development 

• Policy and Systems Knowledge: Maintain working knowledge of relevant policies and systems to inform organizational strategies. 

• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for organizational efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Training and Development: Oversee training programs to build staff capacity and align with organizational goals. 

• Sustainability Initiatives: Lead efforts for long-term program sustainability through strategic planning and development. 

• Cross-Departmental Coordination: Facilitate collaboration across departments for cohesive organizational efforts. 

• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor metrics to evaluate and inform organizational initiatives. 

Overall Qualifications 

• Provide effective, seasoned, and innovative leadership that balances close attention to detail with a focus on the big picture. 

• Set priorities while working in a dynamic, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment and balancing competing demands. 

• Offer creative approaches to complex problems and translate policy options into implementable solutions.  

• Strategize with team members on organizational improvements and the implementation of systems.  

• Support program directors in managing their teams and workflow. Identify and foster growth opportunities for team members. 

• Provide leadership in developing inter-team communication and cohesiveness, sustaining culture, and supporting staff during organizational growth. 

• Lead teams in writing and editing influential pieces to frame and advance key policy priorities. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. Speak at briefings and conferences and identify opportunities for the CPC Center. 

Experience and Skills 

• 10+ years of experience in nonprofit management, policymaking, government affairs, or related fields. 

• Excellent proven track record of supervising staff and leading teams (5+ years strongly preferred). 

• Prior nonprofit and/or advocacy experience preferred. 

• Demonstrated ability to advance racial justice and other social justice issues. 

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a culturally competent workplace and being a leader on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

• Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning, development, and implementation of new programs and systems and efforts to build long-term program sustainability.  

• Possess substantial experience and insight into legislative strategy and congressional relations. 

• Proven ability to deliver superior results while maintaining a positive workplace. 

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. 

• Possesses excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively address broad, diverse audiences on multiple issues by a variety of means.   

• Be able to communicate and coordinate with remote teams effectively. 

• Master's degree, J.D., or other advanced degree strongly preferred. 

Salary and Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $145,000-$160,000. Salary is based on experience and is consistent with the CPC Center's compensation framework. We offer excellent benefits, including 20 annual paid vacation days, 10 sick days, one (1) personal day per month, and additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1; a 5 percent 401(k) match, 100 percent employer-covered health, dental and vision insurance for the employee, generous paid parental leave, and other benefits.  

Location 

We are remote but based in the Washington, DC, metro area and expect individuals to attend in-person meetings and events. Only candidates who live in/around Washington, DC, or are willing to relocate there, will be considered.  

Commitment to Diversity 

The CPC Center is an equal opportunity, fair chance employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior history of arrest or conviction, caregiver status, or other categories protected by law.