Chief of Staff

Position Summary

Roots Community Health's Chief of Staff (CoS) is an exceptionally motivated, results-oriented leader who works directly alongside the CEO and C-suite executives to execute the organization’s highest priorities and generational strategic growth efforts. Managing the Office of the CEO, the CoS serves as a critical air traffic controller, key project driver, and the primary operational liaison between the CEO and external partners. This role is built for a leader who thrives on the excitement of a fast-paced, high-impact environment. Working side-by-side with executive leadership, the CoS serves as an inspiring team leader and the primary operational liaison between the CEO, staff, and external partners.? The CoS will regularly lead cross-functional teams and drive high-stakes, transformative initiatives—such as Rise East, our landmark collective impact initiative to revitalize East Oakland. CoS leverages their sharp operational talent to accelerate high-stakes projects, while actively providing front-row experience in community health leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Strategy & Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the CEO, efficiently optimizing the CEO’s time to deliver maximum impact across the organization and the broader community health ecosystem.
• Staff, brief, and prepare the CEO for high-visibility meetings, panel presentations, and public appearances, including drafting comprehensive briefings and talking points.
• Serve as a collaborative executive resource, fostering multi-directional, efficient information flow across internal leadership teams to enhance decision-making and ensure swift execution.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and areas for process innovation, implementing rapid solutions to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Team Oversight: Communications & Resource Development

• Oversee and integrate the Resource Development and Marketing/Communications functions, ensuring both teams operate in tight alignment with the CEO’s vision.
• Partner with the Communications Manager to develop and execute a comprehensive external engagement and brand awareness plan for the CEO and the organization.
• Support the Development team and grant-writing infrastructure, ensuring the submission pipeline is managed efficiently while assisting the CEO in cultivating and stewarding major donor and philanthropic relationships.
• Assist in the development and management of executive office budgets, collaborating closely with the finance team to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.  

External Liaison & Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary operational liaison between the CEO and external stakeholders, including government officials, funding partners, regional coalitions, and media.
• Coordinate special projects and manage timelines for high-stakes external initiatives (such as regional councils and multi-organizational collaborations).
• Represent Roots Community Health at external events, conferences, and community forums as delegated by the CEO.
• Lead the planning, cross-functional coordination, and seamless execution of key organizational events, funder site visits, and high-profile meetings.

Public Affairs 

• Monitor, analyze, and brief the CEO on local, state, and federal health policies, legislative changes, and community trends affecting Roots mission.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to align civic engagement, policy positions, and advocacy campaigns with key initiatives in alignment with Roots mission.
• Develop strategic positioning and advocacy materials to support the organization's regional healthcare and equity agendas.
• Identify opportunities for Roots to influence public discourse on community health, organizing grassroots or legislative outreach as directed by the CEO.

Core Competencies

• "Swiss Army Knife" Intellect & Agility: Possesses the cognitive flexibility to seamlessly shift gears from analyzing technical health policy and data frameworks to driving high-impact community advocacy.
• Low Ego, High Gravitas: Equally comfortable executing essential, behind-the-scenes administrative heavy lifting and stepping into high-visibility spaces to confidently and authentically represent the CEO and organization.
• “Can-do” optimism: Approaching complex constraints with a constructive energy that shifts the conversation from why something can’t be done to how it can be accomplished. 
• Forward-Looking & Proactive Ownership: Anticipates operational roadblocks several steps ahead. Consistently brings forward strategic options and executable solutions rather than a list of questions or problems.
• Exceptional Execution Speed: Self-starter who prioritizes organizational momentum. Possesses a natural orientation towards action and a proven ability to drive complex, high-priority initiatives across the finish line under tight timelines. 

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Public Health (MPH), Communications, or a related field preferred.
• Fellowships: Completion of a recognized healthcare leadership, public policy, or philanthropic fellowship (e.g., CHCF, Capital Fellows, Coro) is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in an operational or strategic leadership role, with a proven track record of managing complex projects and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge: Strong structural understanding of healthcare delivery, public health systems, and the non-profit landscape; experience navigating community-anchored care models is a plus.
• Skills: Superior written, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Mission Alignment: Deep passion for Roots Community Health’s mission and an uncompromising commitment to health equity, systemic change, and community empowerment.