Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff is the primary overseeing role for staff and development, and the Junior League of Denver's Board President's right hand, connecting strategy with execution. This person manages operations, supports staff, executes on fundraising strategies, serves as a representative of JLD in the Denver community, and ensures communication and collaboration flow across the organization.

The Chief of Staff reports to the President, keeps our plans on track and our people aligned, helping staff and members work together effectively toward our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the President and Board of Directors to turn strategy into clear, actionable plans.
• Maintain continuity from one League year to the next, documenting key processes and outcomes.
• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies beyond membership dues.
• Identify where communication, clarity, or authority are unclear and help close the gaps.
• Support board and council work with structure, reporting, and follow-through, understanding the unique nature of working with board and council members who are volunteers.

• Build and grow relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Attend community-facing events on behalf of JLD.
• Create and coordinate gift proposals, sponsorships, and grant applications in support of JLD and JLDF.
• Manage the process of identifying, qualifying, cultivating and soliciting major gifts, planned giving and annual fund donors and prospects, and closing and stewarding gifts in a timely manner.
• Create stewardship plans to thank and retain donors.
• Partner with the Junior League of Denver Foundation, JLD Fundraising VP and other members to ensure council alignment and success.
• Share reports and insights that inform the strategic and annual plans.
• Ensure donor data is accurate, organized, and compliant.

• Reports to the President, maintaining open communication and disclosure of the conditions, operations, and needs of the organization.
• Oversee day-to-day operations: HR, payroll, scheduling, building management, and systems.
• In collaboration with the President, hire and orient all new employees, procedures, and programs.
• Counsel and manage staff performance, workload, and development.
• Direct and coordinate the implementation for training and staff development to enhance the effectiveness of employee performance in achieving the goals and objectives of the organization.
• Consult with the President to develop, implement, manage, and maintain HR policy & procedures;
• In collaboration with the Director of Accounting, design, implement and maintain payroll, Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and timekeeping systems.
• In collaboration with the President, design, prepare, implement, and manage effective compensation, benefits, and performance management programs and processes.
• Establish and maintain third party and vendor relationships by communicating our organization's needs, requirements, expectations, while working with vendors to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Evaluate vendor performance and make recommendations to the President on necessary improvements to meet business needs.
• Project management of major department initiatives (e.g., system implementations, employee handbook updates and policy changes, etc.)
• Build processes that help staff and members collaborate smoothly.
• Track progress on the annual plan, ensuring work stays aligned with goals and budget.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Promote a culture of respect, empowerment, and shared responsibility among staff, BOD, membership, and community.
• Ensure that both staff and members feel informed and supported in their roles.
• Liaise with AJLI, vendors, and partners as needed.
• Handle most internal matters.

Who You Are:

• You're a strong communicator who can connect people and keep things moving.
• You've managed teams and operations, ideally in a nonprofit or membership-based organization.
• You are an experienced fundraiser and willing to grow your development skills.
• You're relationship-driven and see development as a form of service.
• You're detail-oriented and know how to empower others and make systems work for people.
• You love solving problems, improving processes, and keeping the mission front and center.

What Success Looks Like:

• Clear communication, alignment, and support across staff, members, and board.
• Smooth daily operations that support the bigger picture.
• Plans are implemented efficiently, with progress tracked and communicated.
• The organization consistently achieves its strategic objectives and realizes its purpose
• As a result, members renew, refer, and the organization grows.
• Fundraising efforts are consistent, transparent, and sustainable.
• Donors and partners feel connected to the mission of JLD.
• The organization has steady resources to support its training and community impact.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to develop and communicate the organization's mission, vision, values, and focus.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with government agencies, community leaders, and the general public.
• Proven problem analysis and resolution at both a strategic and functional level
• Proficient technology application skills including advanced MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Google Drive, payroll and HRIS systems.

Education and Experience:

• Four-year college degree preferred or equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience.
• Professional experience in leadership roles, industry related experience.
• 5+ years of experience in management or project management roles.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, such as sitting or standing, for an extended period.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds on an occasional basis.

Junior League of Denver is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Supportive, Positive Work Culture