Chief of Staff

Location: Charlottesville, VA or approved East Coast locations (VA, NC, GA, FL)

Do you thrive operating close to senior leadership, turning ambiguity into structure, priorities and momentum? Can you move comfortably between strategic thinking, executive communications and practical follow-through? Are you looking for a role where your judgement, discretion and ability to connect the dots can help shape how a global function operates?

CFA Institute is hiring a Chief of Staff, Global Operations to partner directly with the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, you will help create the operating rhythm, governance and execution discipline needed to support a broad Global Operations portfolio and enable clearer decision-making across the organization.

You will act as a trusted thought partner and strategic operator, supporting priorities that span program delivery, transformation, service delivery, facilities, real estate, event management, governance and cross-functional initiatives. This is a high-exposure development role for someone who can combine judgement, structure, communication quality and hands-on delivery.

What You'll Do

• Partner directly with the COO to support priorities, decision-making, communications and follow-through across Global Operations.

• Build and manage operating rhythm, governance cadence, monthly business reviews, agendas, actions and accountability mechanisms.

• Help define a prioritized Global Operations roadmap, ensuring key initiatives have clear ownership, structure and momentum.

• Lead or support strategic projects and cross-functional initiatives that require coordination across multiple teams and senior stakeholders.

• Prepare high-quality materials for leadership forums, governance discussions, board-related activity and organizational communications.

• Work across teams including Program Management and Enterprise Transformation, Global Contact Center, Facilities, Real Estate and Event Management.

• Use technology and AI thoughtfully to improve productivity, analysis and communication while maintaining strong human judgement and quality control.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in strategy, operations, programme / portfolio environments, enterprise transformation, consulting, business management or a Chief of Staff-style role within a mid-to-large global or multinational organisation, with exposure to complex organisational structures, multiple functions and geographies. 

• Demonstrable experience operating at an enterprise-wide level, with a broad understanding of organisational priorities, strategic interdependencies and the needs of different functions and regions. 

• Clear evidence of working directly with C-suite executives in a trusted, high-exposure capacity, rather than primarily through VP or functional leadership levels. Experience should include preparing executive briefings, presentations, decision materials and strategic updates. 

• Demonstrable experience supporting board, executive committee or equivalent senior enterprise governance forums, with an understanding of executive-level decision-making and governance. 

• Experience leading or materially shaping complex cross-functional and cross-regional initiatives, operating rhythms and enterprise priorities within a matrixed environment. 

• Strong structured thinking and analytical capability, with the ability to turn ambiguous, complex or sensitive issues into clear options, actions and recommendations for executive decision-making. 

• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly, concisely and appropriately for C-suite and board-level audiences. 

• Maturity, discretion and sound judgement when handling confidential, sensitive or high-profile matters. 

• Ability to influence without authority, build trust and work effectively across functions, geographies and teams with different priorities and working styles. 

• MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification.

Nice to Have

• Experience in financial services, EdTech, education, professional services or another business-facing environment.

• Exposure to program delivery, portfolio management, operational excellence, Lean Six Sigma, agile, quality, product, technology or enterprise transformation work.

​Why Join Us

• Work directly with the Chief Operating Officer in a high-trust, high-visibility role.

• Help shape the operating rhythm and governance approach for a broad global function.

• Gain enterprise-wide exposure across transformation, service delivery, facilities, events, leadership forums and strategic initiatives.

• Join at a point where Global Operations is continuing to mature its ways of working, priorities and decision cadence.

• Build broad leadership, judgement and influence experience in a mission-driven global organization.

At CFA Institute, we are committed to transparency and equity in our hiring process. In compliance with wage transparency laws in many of the jurisdictions in which we recruit, we provide the following information regarding compensation for this position.

Expected salary range: US National Locations (VA, NC, GA, FL): $175,000 - $200,000 per year

Actual salary within the stated ranges will depend on the individual's experience, qualifications, skills, location, and other job-related factors. Additional benefits include eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive bonus, a 12% employer contribution to a 401(k) or pension plan, and a comprehensive medical benefits package.

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We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees, including health coverage, generous time off, competitive retirement plans, flexible work options, and wellbeing and development programs. You can learn more on our careers site: Working at CFA Institute | Comprehensive Benefits

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute is the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we promote professional growth, uphold ethical standards, and help advance better financial markets. Join a global organization committed to putting investors first.

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Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. CFA Institute prohibits both discrimination and harassment with regard to all identifying characteristics: any individual employee, group of employees, or prospective employee on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, creed or belief, age, marital or partnership status, marital or family status, care giver status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, physical abilities/qualities, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, predisposing genetic characteristic, military or veteran status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence or sex offense or stalking, unemployment status, infectious disease carrier status, migrant worker status, educational background, socio-economic status, geographic location and culture or any other basis protected by applicable law. This policy impacts all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, development, promotion, demotion, layoff, recall, furlough, transfer, leave of absence, and dismissal. This is a global policy that applies to all CFA Institute employees, regardless of location.

If, due to a disability or current medical condition, you need an accommodation or assistance to complete a job application, you can request one at any stage of the recruitment process. Please send an email to [email protected] noting the accommodations or assistance you are requesting. Please do not include any medical or health information in this email. We will review your request and contact you to discuss the possible options and arrangements. We will try our best to provide you with an accommodation or assistance that meets your needs and respects your preferences.