Chief of Staff

About the Roosevelt Institute

The Roosevelt Institute is a think tank, a student network, and the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum that, together, are learning from the past and working to redefine our collective future. Focusing on corporate and public power, labor and wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality, the Roosevelt Institute unifies experts, invests in young leaders, and advances progressive policies that bring the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor into the 21st century.

Roosevelt takes on today’s greatest challenges by advancing bold, cutting-edge research and policy ideas. We believe that the future of the American economy and our democracy depends on a new way of thinking about markets and government. Too few people hold too much economic and political power today, and we know that a stronger society is possible if we rectify this imbalance between private actors and the public. With a commitment to transforming corporations, restructuring markets, reviving democratic institutions, and reimagining the role of government, our work moves our nation toward a more resilient, equitable, and green future.

Our Culture

At Roosevelt, we recognize that the culture of the workplace and opportunities for career growth and development are important to all. We believe that diversity of background and experience among our people make our work to rewrite the rules of our social and economic realities stronger. Roosevelt is an equal opportunity employer and, as affirms in policy and practice to consider all applications in all job classifications, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, military status, height and weight, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or other legally protected status. We strongly encourage people with diverse work and life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, and diverse cultures to apply.

What You’ll Do

This newly created chief of staff role serves as a tactical right-hand and strategic thought partner to Roosevelt Institute’s president, Felicia Wong; and as key support to the Institute’s five-person executive team. The chief of staff is responsible for shepherding the organization’s strategic projects, delivering critical work related to Roosevelt Institute’s executive team and board, and strengthening organizational operations and internal communications. This position is for a tenacious self-starter who enjoys spanning strategic to tactical work and possesses the personal characteristics to promote team integration while championing Roosevelt Institute’s values and culture.

The Chief of Staff’s responsibilities will encompass three primary areas:

Deliver results on behalf of the Executive Team

• Project-manage strategic projects; create detailed project plans, anticipate obstacles; “keep the trains running”
  Execute projects by translating Executive Team’s vision into actionable steps, gaining buy-in, and project-managing to completion
• Track performance, research new solutions, and escalate progress or issues, as necessary
• Strategize with the Executive Team, then execute on that strategy

Ensure president’s highest and best use of time

• Provide consistent and relevant briefing information to the President, not only prior to key meetings and events, but also on a regular basis
• Ensure time is properly rationalized and spent in the appropriate areas of focus
• Ensure “quality control” of information and communication to reduce reactivity
• Attend key meetings and events with, or on behalf of, the President; ensure timely follow-up of all action items
• Manage and develop Executive Assistant to align with President’s priorities

Facilitate cross-functional integration

• Maintain a collaborative and highly cohesive Executive Team aligned toward the same goals and strategic agenda
  Work closely with Executive Team to promote strong communication and collaboration between President, team, and larger staff; bring clarity when needed
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate completion of projects and activities
• Promote alignment and accountability
• Identify and implement mechanisms for ensuring progress toward goals; add structure and processes when needed

What You’ll Have

• 8 plus years of relevant work experience; experience and success in progressive politics preferred, but not required
• Highly developed leadership, political, entrepreneurial, decision-making and people management skills; ability to foster trust and collaboration among team members
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to listen attentively and interact with the highest level of executive-level leadership and build rapport with internal and external partners
• Ability to operate and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter and quick learner with a strong sense of urgency and follow-through
• Strong project management skills with experience managing complex cross-functional projects including developing, coordinating, and sharing plans and deliverables in an effective manner
• Ability to understand and anticipate needs and act on them without direction
• High emotional intelligence and relationship building skills
• Strong knowledge of systems and structures within- and out of an executive office
• Analytical and data-driven with a bias towards taking action to improve key metrics
• Upholds accountability with self and others

We are partnering with our agency, Prime Chief of Staff. Interested candidates can apply through Prime’s Career Center.

The salary range for this role is $146,000.00 – $150,000.00 annually. The Roosevelt Institute offers excellent benefits that include 100% paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and 80% paid for dependents; life insurance; vacation; personal and sick time; paid parental leave; professional development; healthcare- dependent- and commuter FSA; and a 403(b) Retirement plan with up to 4% contribution.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We know that innovation thrives on teams where diverse points of view come together to solve hard problems.  As such, we explicitly seek people that bring diverse life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, diverse cultures, and diverse work experiences.  Please be prepared to share with us how your perspective will bring something unique and valuable to our team.