Job Description
Job Description
Salary :
Chief of Staff Job Description
Reports to : CEO & Superintendent
Location : UP Excellence Academy Houston, TX
FLSA Status : Exempt (Full-Time)
Start Date : September 15, 2025
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic thought partner to the CEO & Superintendent, ensuring organizational clarity, cross-functional alignment, and executive execution across UP Excellence Academys mission to provide high-quality education to underserved communities. The Chief of Staff will act as a connector, operator, and integratorstreamlining systems, elevating priorities, and supporting high-level decision-making with discretion, precision, and emotional intelligence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Planning & Organizational Alignment
- Partner with CEO to build and manage strategic priorities, ensuring initiatives are tracked, aligned, and implemented with fidelity.
- Lead execution of quarterly and annual organizational goals, monitoring progress and flagging risks in timelines, resources, and implementation.
- Coordinate and align departmental initiatives to support overall organizational outcomes, especially around instructional excellence, enrollment growth, financial sustainability, and culture.
2. Executive Partnership & Special Projects
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing feedback, facilitating problem-solving, and filtering decisions that require executive input.Lead or support high-priority cross-functional initiatives and project manage their execution.Prepare briefing materials, board updates, executive memos, and data reports to inform decision-making.3. Internal Communications & Meeting Design
Manage internal leadership meeting rhythms (leadership team, board, department heads), including agendas, pre-work, and outcomes.Synthesize discussions into actionable follow-ups, ensuring accountability and momentum.Draft internal communications from the CEOs office that reflect urgency, clarity, and culture.4. People, Culture, and Leadership Support
Facilitate culture-building initiatives that promote accountability, psychological safety, and joy among staff.Lead skip-level feedback cycles and employee engagement touchpoints.Support performance management and leadership development efforts across departments.5. Operational Effectiveness & Decision-Making Support
Monitor implementation of key operational systems and identify bottlenecks.Serve as a liaison between departments to reduce siloed work and promote clarity.Coordinate calendar prioritization and scheduling aligned to executive energy and strategic goals.QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors Degree required; Masters degree preferred.At least 2 years of experience in education, operations, leadership, or strategy.Deep belief in the mission of educational equity and improving life outcomes for underserved communities.Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a growing charter school or education nonprofit environment.Exceptional writing, communication, and organizational skills.Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with discretion and urgency.Deep emotional intelligence and ability to navigate relationships with compassion, firmness, and grace.CORE ATTRIBUTES
Strategic Executor : You move ideas into action with clarity, organization, and follow-through.Trustworthy & Discreet : You handle sensitive information with care and integrity.Relationally Grounded : You lead with heart, build trust across all levels, and cultivate safe spaces for candid dialogue.Operationally Excellent : You anticipate needs, streamline processes, and remove barriers to progress.Mission-Driven : You are deeply committed to student success, racial equity, and transformative education.COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
11.5-Month ContractComprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life)Paid holidays, vacation, and sick timeOpportunities for professional growth and leadership development