Interim Chief of Staff & Strategic Initiatives

Umoja Community Education Foundation is a California-based nonprofit serving more than 16,000 students annually through a network of 80-plus college and university partnerships. The organisation is implementing an ambitious strategic plan focused on growth, systems building, and expanded statewide impact. The Interim Chief of Staff role functions as an organisational integrator, ensuring the Executive Leadership Team remains aligned and that the CEO's highest priorities translate into measurable outcomes.

This is a limited-term executive appointment reporting directly to the CEO. The role leads through influence and strategic coordination rather than direct operational authority. It suits an experienced executive who can operate effectively across complex, multi-stakeholder environments and is committed to educational equity and institutional transformation.

• Translate CEO priorities into enterprise-wide implementation plans, timelines, and performance measures
• Monitor progress against the organisation's Strategic Plan and flag risks, bottlenecks, and capacity challenges to executive leadership
• Lead CEO-directed strategic initiatives that span multiple departments and functional areas
• Prepare executive analyses, briefings, and recommendations to support CEO and Board decision-making
• Facilitate coordination, alignment, and accountability across the Executive Leadership Team
• Advise the CEO on organisational effectiveness, executive priorities, and emerging strategic opportunities

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's or advanced degree preferred
• Eight to twelve years of progressively senior experience in executive leadership, strategy, consulting, or Chief of Staff roles
• Proven track record partnering directly with CEOs, executive directors, or senior leadership teams
• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills with demonstrated project leadership capability
• Ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives without relying on formal authority
• Commitment to educational equity, culturally responsive practice, and systems-level change

Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc. is a California-based nonprofit advancing culturally responsive and equity-centred student success across community colleges and universities. The organisation supports more than 16,000 students each year through over 80 educational partnerships and is currently in a growth phase underpinned by an ambitious statewide strategic plan.