The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a highly experienced and strategic professional to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff within the President’s Office, located in Washington, DC. This senior leadership role sits at the center of the Foundation’s mission-driven work, supporting the President and Chief of Staff in ensuring that organizational priorities are executed effectively. The Deputy Chief of Staff will help drive strategic planning, coordinate cross-functional initiatives, manage operational workflows, and strengthen internal and external relationships that are essential to the organization’s global impact.
The position requires exceptional judgment, a strong command of organizational strategy, and the ability to navigate complex and fast-paced environments. It offers a unique opportunity to influence high-level decision-making and contribute to work that advances global well-being.
Key Responsibilities
The Deputy Chief of Staff will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the President’s strategic agenda. Responsibilities include:
- Guiding the strategic and operational direction of the President’s Office and ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s enterprise-wide goals.
- Leading cross-functional coordination, ensuring that initiatives driven by the President’s Office are integrated across departments and executed with excellence.
- Managing daily operations, including strategic scheduling, performance oversight, and budget-related matters that contribute to smooth functioning of the office.
- Preparing, refining, and reviewing briefing materials, strategic memos, presentations, and communications to support leadership in meetings, high-level engagements, and decision-making.
- Serving as a representative for the President’s Office when engaging with senior partners, funders, government officials, and other key stakeholders.
- Overseeing special projects, enterprise initiatives, and time-sensitive priorities, ensuring they meet strategic objectives and deadlines.
- Providing mentorship and leadership to senior staff within the President’s Office and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
Candidate Profile: Qualifications & Competencies
The ideal candidate for this role brings extensive leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, and a strong understanding of mission-driven organizations. Key qualifications include:
- At least 12 years of professional experience, with significant time spent in senior-level leadership or strategic roles.
- A bachelor’s degree, with strong preference for candidates holding a master’s degree.
- A proven track record of directing complex, large-scale initiatives ideally within philanthropy, non-profit leadership, public policy, or global development.
- Advanced strategic thinking, with the ability to synthesize complex information, manage ambiguity, and guide high-impact decisions.
- Outstanding relationship-management and communication skills, capable of building trust with diverse partners and representing the President’s Office in high-level environments.
- High emotional intelligence, discretion, and the capacity to manage sensitive matters with professionalism and confidentiality.
- A strong commitment to the Foundation’s values and a deep interest in global issues such as health, food systems, climate, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Why This Role Matters
The Deputy Chief of Staff plays a central role in ensuring that the President’s Office operates with clarity, purpose, and impact. The work of the Foundation touches millions of lives through programs focused on climate resilience, healthcare equity, scientific innovation, food security, and expanding access to opportunity. By helping coordinate strategic initiatives, strengthening internal systems, and supporting leadership, the Deputy Chief of Staff contributes directly to advancing these global priorities.
This role also influences how the organization partners with governments, civil society, research institutions, and philanthropic networks. The ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively is essential for maintaining the Foundation’s legacy of trust, innovation, and impact.
What Success Looks Like
A successful Deputy Chief of Staff will demonstrate:
- Strong and seamless execution of strategic initiatives
- Well-organized, effective, and forward-thinking operations within the President’s Office
- High-quality briefing materials that enable informed decision-making
- Effective collaboration across teams and departments
- Strengthened relationships with key external partners
- A positive, productive, and inclusive team culture
