Chief of Staff

Posted: 24-Jul-26 | Location: Illinois | Type: Full Time | Required Education: 4 Year Degree

About the Organization

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. Working in partnership with its Board of Directors, affiliate organizations, practice groups, committees, and councils, the organization operates within a highly collaborative governance structure that relies on strong executive leadership, strategic coordination, and execution to advance its mission and strategic priorities.

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 role 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 position plays a critical role 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 be 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 initiatives progress, risks, and outcomes
• Partner with the CEO and Board Chair to strengthen governance effectiveness for aligning Board processes, facilitating strategic decision-making, and ensuring accountability
• Oversee the design and execution of the annual Board calendar, including meeting agendas, materials, and follow-up
• Drive enterprise program management, ensuring cross-functional alignment and execution of strategic initiatives
• Serve as a catalyst for organizational transformation, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve collaboration, and enhance member value
• Lead special projects and organizational change initiatives as assigned by the CEO