Chief of Staff

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals whose expertise provides essential support for those with specialty nutrition needs and those seeking better health through nutrition. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Academy is supported by a professional staff of 141 employees and an extensive network of volunteer leaders.

About the role

The Chief of Staff (CoS) to the CEO is a senior executive-level leader responsible for driving strategic alignment, governance and operational execution across the association. By strengthening governance, aligning leadership, and driving execution, this role enables the organization to deliver greater value to its members, expand its influence, and achieve long-term mission success. Serving as a trusted advisor and extension of the CEO, this position ensures the organization’s strategic priorities are effectively translated into actionable plans, delivered with discipline, and aligned with member value, mission impact, and financial sustainability. This role plays a critical part in board governance, executive office leadership, enterprise program management, and organizational transformation in a complex, member-driven environment.

The Chief of Staff position is a Chicago-based hybrid role that requires the Chief of Staff to be located in the Chicagoland area and available for in-office presence as required. Some travel is required (up to 25%) to support major organizational meetings and leadership activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the CEO’s office, ensuring seamless coordination of CEO priorities, communications, and leadership engagement
• Act as a trusted advisor, synthesizing complex internal and external issues into strategic insights and recommendations
• Align the executive leadership team (ELT) around priorities, execution milestones, and organizational messaging
• Facilitate leadership cadence (ELT meetings, retreats, strategic reviews, annual planning cycles)
• Represent the CEO in internal and external forums as appropriate, including member engagements and industry events
• In coordination with the Academy’s Human Resources leader, support the CEO’s goals and performance development process
• Provide transparent reporting to the CEO on initiative progress, risks, and outcomes
• Partner with the CEO and Board Chair to strengthen governance effectiveness for aligning strategic priorities with board oversight

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in association management, nonprofit leadership, or corporate strategy roles
• Experience supporting board governance, executive leadership, and enterprise-wide program management
• Proven ability to drive strategic alignment and operational execution in complex, member-driven organizations
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time