Chief of Staff Position Description
Location: Washington, DC

The Opportunity:

Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) creates and leads the newest thinking on public safety and policing. As the leading organization that develops national policy, research, and training and technical assistance to improve policing, we are at the forefront of police reform, innovation, and best practices. Our work has never been more important than it is today.

As a Washington, DC-based national think tank, we are a dedicated group of leaders known for getting things done quickly and responding to emerging crises with creative ideas and clear guidance. We work with a diverse group of police practitioners and policymakers across the country and around the world in shaping policy and providing technical assistance. PERF is funded by a combination of leading philanthropies, federal grants, and unique PERF programs, including our leadership programs, executive search, and management services.  Visit www.policeforum.org to learn more about the full range of PERF’s programs and their impact on the policing profession.

We are seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as a trusted advisor to our Executive Director. The Chief of Staff will bring a passion for organizational excellence.  This role reports to the Executive Director and will help to coach and mentor a team of 30 full-time staff.

Key Responsibilities:

The Chief of Staff plays a key role in providing senior leadership and executive-level advice to the Executive Director while advancing organizational effectiveness. This position will partner closely with the Executive Director on a variety of executive initiatives and special projects—across team management, hiring, organizational growth, operations, finance, and strategy—in support of our overall mission and vision. As the team’s trusted problem-solver, the Chief of Staff will address high-level issues across a wide range of activities; assess situations, decide appropriate response, and recommend/take action. The Chief of Staff will focus on budgets, timelines, key project deliverables and staffing needs. The Chief of Staff will also manage high-priority, national-level projects to ensure successful launch and execution. Additionally, the position will interact with funders and our broader community of stakeholders to foster excellent relationships.

Additional responsibilities include: serving as a liaison between the Executive Director and staff; handling questions, concerns, issues, and requests on the Executive Director’s behalf; drafting strategic documents; writing funding proposals; coaching staff; monitoring organizational performance and compliance across key performance indicators; and serving as a liaison to a variety of internal and external constituencies. By providing oversight, feedback, and strategic advice to the Executive Director and senior and line staff, the Chief of Staff will play a unique role in identifying and implementing solutions to improve efficiency and organizational performance and help to promote a strong organizational culture.

Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate brings:

  • Strong interest and commitment to the mission and work of PERF;
  • Excellent project management skills;
  • 8+ years of experience in a similar role at a foundation, think tank, public policy organization, or in management consulting;
  • Bachelor’s degree; MBA preferred;
  • Demonstrated experience managing and coaching staff, including providing customized professional development;
  • Superior communication skills;
  • Demonstrated analytical acumen;
  • Strong decision-making skills and impeccable judgment;
  • Outstanding time management and attention to detail with demonstrated success completing projects on-time and within budget.

Our Team and Compensation:

We are intensely collaborative leaders and doers from diverse backgrounds, all united by an urgent need to make a difference in policing and public safety. We are careful but quick decision-makers focused on shared outcomes. The salary range for this role starts at $150,000 and includes a generous benefits package. Our benefits include a generous retirement plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, access to meaningful professional development opportunities, and more.

All Applicants Welcome:

Diversity is a core value and we welcome applicants of all backgrounds.  We encourage applications from all genders, races, ethnicities, and ages, as well as veterans and people with disabilities. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive working environment.  

To Apply:

Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to:
Sheryl Goldstein, Consultant
[email protected]