Chief of Staff with International Startup Nonprofit

Washington, D.C./Hybrid

$115,000 – $155,000

Calling all Chief of Staff professionals! This early-stage international nonprofit is seeking a high-agency, interpersonally adept strategic co-pilot for their Chief of Staff opening. In this role, you will serve as a critical partner to leadership, driving alignment, prioritization, and rapid execution across the organization while translating a big-picture global vision into actionable, fast-moving plans. Because they are in the founding stages of development, this role offers a unique, blank-canvas opportunity to directly architect and influence the formation of critical systems and the operational blueprint. If you are a proactive builder ready to put your operational expertise into action, skip the red tape, and embrace the dynamic, fast-paced hustle of a growing global nonprofit, send us your resume today!

Key Responsibilities:

Partner with leadership to drive strategic alignment, prioritize organizational goals, and ensure effective execution across teams, translating high-level strategic decisions into actionable operational plans with clear ownership, timelines, and accountability.
Oversee key initiatives, monitor progress against strategic objectives, and proactively address risks, bottlenecks, and competing priorities.
Lead organizational planning rhythms, leadership operations, and communication processes to support informed decision-making and alignment.
Design and optimize scalable systems, workflows, and accountability frameworks that improve organizational effectiveness and execution.
Manage high-impact cross-functional projects from strategic planning through implementation and delivery.
Strengthen team effectiveness by improving cross-functional collaboration, operational consistency, and clarity around priorities and ownership.
Support strategic communications and ensure key updates, decisions, and materials are clearly organized and accessible.
Partner with the organization’s leadership to build scalable, high-performing systems and processes that support long-term organizational growth and execution.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

Play a pivotal role in shaping, defining, and developing a brand-new mission-oriented nonprofit, building the organization from the ground up to function on a global scale.
This role provides the opportunity to work directly with top leadership within the organization and externally across industries including government, policy making, philanthropy, and private sector.

What We’re Looking For:

Experienced. You have over eight (8+) years of work experience in a high intensity, fast-paced work environment. Previous experience in a Chief of Staff or similar role is required.
Highly organized and detail conscious. You can pivot working across varying levels of an organization and manage multiple moving parts all while staying on track with current tasks and anticipating future tasks.
Cross-functional. You work well as a team player and can effectively and efficiently provide updates regarding current issues and progress being made. Exceptional communication verbally and through writing will be essential.
Eager and trustworthy. You exercise good judgement regarding confidential and highly sensitive information and strive to constantly improve and help those around you.
Committed and consistent. You are driven in your role and available to support leadership at every turn in the road; this role will require flexible schedules and overtime.
Flexibility. Due to the startup nature of the non-profit, the firm isn’t currently able to offer healthcare benefits but hopes to in the future.

The salary listed reflects the anticipated compensation range for this position. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, location, business considerations, and internal equity. Final offer amounts are determined at the employer’s discretion.

To apply, please send a resume to hire@hawthornelane.com.

Essential to Hawthorne Lane’s success is our ability to attract talent from a range of backgrounds. Our network reflects the diverse community around us, and we believe in a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.