Executive Chief of Staff

Position: Executive Chief of StaffLocation: Remote/HomebasedCommitment: Volunteer (10hrs/week)Reporting to: Chair of Trustees / Chief Executive OfficerKey Partnership: Chief People & Governance OfficerShared Reports: Senior Administrator(s) About Us: Project Yananai is a global nonprofit organisation with Christian values, dedicated to empowering underserved communities through adult education, sustainable skills development, and humanitarian aid. We are in a dynamic phase of growth, driven by strategic ambition and a commitment to profound impact. Our Chair of Trustees provides executive leadership, acting as the strategic driver for the organisation. To amplify this leadership, we seek an exceptional Executive Chief of Staff.The Role: Strategic Force Multiplier & Operational AnchorThis unique blended role is designed to be both a strategic force multiplier and the operational anchor for the Chair. We are looking for a candidate who can seamlessly transition from orchestrating a board strategy virtually, to managing complex international travel logistics.This is a 60/40 role: 60% focused on high-level strategy, execution, and representation, and 40% on sophisticated executive support and coordination. You will ensure the Chair’s vision is translated into reality, acting as their integrity, communication channel, and strategic partner. The Executive Chief of Staff is a distinct function from the Chief People & Governance Officer (CPGO). While the CPGO owns the architecture of our people strategy and board governance, you will own the flow of strategic information and execution from the Chair’s office, enabling the entire organisation, and the CPGO's functions, to operate at their highest potential.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Partnership & Execution (The 60%)Serve as a strategic sounding board and proxy for the Chair, providing critical analysis, preparing decision-making frameworks, and ensuring follow-through.Lead and manage cross-functional strategic initiatives from the Chair’s office, ensuring alignment and accountability across remote, global teams.Stand in for the Chair in high-level internal and external meetings, representing their position with authority and making real-time decisions to advance priorities.Synthesize complex information into clear, actionable briefs, presentations, and communications for both internal and external audiences.Operational Rhythm & Executive Support (The 40%)Masterfully manage the Chair’s agenda, communications, and travel with a focus on strategic prioritisation and efficiency.Orchestrate the rhythm of the business for the leadership team: facilitating key meetings, ensuring cohesive agendas, and tracking strategic outcomes.Act as the primary liaison between the Chair and internal/external stakeholders, building a robust network of trust.Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks, engaging in firm, fair, and productive conversations to maintain momentum.Who You Are: The Ideal CandidateYou are a strategic operator who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and in the details of complex logistics. You are fearless in championing the organisation's success and diplomatic in building consensus.Your Profile:A Strategic Mindset: You see the bigger picture and understand how to break down a vision into a tactical plan. You anticipate needs and navigate ambiguity with confidence.An Execution Engine: You are relentlessly organised and driven by outcomes. You don't just track tasks; you own results.A Diplomatic Communicator: You build rapport effortlessly across cultures and time zones. Your communication is clear, concise, and culturally astute.A Gatekeeper and a Gateway: You intuitively know what requires the Chair’s attention and what you can resolve or delegate. You protect their time while ensuring critical connections are made.Required Experience & Skills:5-7+ years in a Chief of Staff, senior operations, or strategic business partner role, ideally within a global, high-growth environment (nonprofit, startup, or impact-driven organisation).Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects and represent C-level executives.Superior written and verbal communication skills; a masterful storyteller and synthesizer.Technological proficiency with modern collaboration and productivity suites (G-Suite/Workspace, Asana, Slack, Zoom).Proven experience building relationships and collaborating effectively in a fully remote setting.Desirable Qualities:Experience working with or supporting the Board of a complex organisation, high growth or international entity.Lived experience, deep knowledge or professional exposure across countries or high risk environments.Fluency in more than one language.Our OfferA platform to operate at the highest strategic level of a dynamic, global organisation.A direct partnership with an experienced and visionary leader.As a volunteer, a flexible work pattern that encourages a healthy work-life balance.A remote-first culture that values impact and outcomes. Empower communities. Transform lives. Make a positive and sustainable difference!Project Yananai is a charity registered in England and Wales number 1209060 and an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.