Chief of Staff, Global Operations
Location: Charlottesville, VA or approved East Coast locations (VA, NC, GA, FL)
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Requirements
- Experience in strategy, operations, program / portfolio environments, enterprise transformation, consulting, business management or a Chief of Staff-style role within a complex organization.
- Clear evidence of working directly with senior executives, including preparing briefings, presentations, decision materials or strategic updates.
- Experience leading or materially shaping cross-functional initiatives, governance forums, operating rhythms or enterprise priorities.
- Strong structured thinking, analytical judgement and ability to turn ambiguous issues into clear options, actions and recommendations.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with strong attention to detail and an ability to produce high-quality executive-ready work.
- Maturity, discretion and sound judgement when handling confidential or sensitive information.
- Ability to influence without authority and build trust across teams with different priorities and working styles.
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.
- Experience supporting board, executive committee or senior governance forums.
- MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification.
Benefits
- Eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive bonus.
- 12% employer contribution to a 401(k) or pension plan.
- Comprehensive medical benefits package.
- Generous time off.
- Competitive retirement plans.
- Flexible work options.
- Wellbeing and development programs.
Pay
Expected salary range for 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.
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.