Chief of Staff, Programs

About The Position The Chief of Staff (CoS), Programs is the senior internal operational leader responsible for day‑to‑day management, coordination and execution of operations within a research environment. The CoS provides integrated leadership across scientific support operations, technical and non‑technical personnel management, program execution, administrative functions, and financial oversight. While the Principal Investigator (PI) retains authority over scientific direction and technical judgment, the CoS holds formal supervisory authority over all Geneva‑employed personnel and is accountable for operational performance, compliance, and workforce effectiveness. This embedded role requires daily presence in the laboratory environment to ensure operational readiness, staff supervision, and real‑time execution. Location: Full time on‑site at the Uniformed Services University Offsite 4DBio³ Lab, Rockville, MD. Background checks will be administered. Salary Range: $135,000 - $165,000. Qualifications Master’s degree (or higher) in Business Administration, Health Administration, Science, Engineering, or related field. Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research operations, laboratory management, or complex program operations within a federal, academic, nonprofit, or government‑affiliated research environment. 10+ years’ experience developing research program strategies and plans. Demonstrated experience supervising multidisciplinary technical and non‑technical personnel in an in‑person setting. 8+ years’ direct experience interpreting and implementing federal and non‑federal sponsor guidelines and regulations. Strong working knowledge of sponsored research operations, internal controls, and compliance requirements. Experience overseeing financial execution of research programs, including coordination with finance team on budgeting, expenditure tracking, forecasting, and resource allocation. Experience with DoD‑affiliated research environments preferred. Prior experience in a Chief of Staff, Operations Director, or equivalent internal leadership role. Ability to exercise independent judgment in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment with strict deadlines and manage multiple projects. Excellent communication skills and the ability to convert strategic vision into sound operating business plans and processes. Proven ability to solve complex technical and management problems in a timely and professional manner. Flexibility with changing priorities and ability to communicate diplomatically. Management Responsibilities Serve as the most senior Geneva employee on‑site, with full supervisory responsibility for all Geneva personnel. Oversee research operations and employee productivity, ensuring team members thrive and research priorities, goals, and objective key results (OKRs) are achieved on schedule. Directly supervise scientific support staff, technical research personnel, non‑technical program management staff, and administrative personnel. Lead recruiting, onboarding, performance management, coaching, corrective action, and professional development in coordination with Geneva People Operations. Develop and mentor staff to strengthen technical capability, operational discipline, and internal leadership capacity. Foster disciplined, collaborative, and mission‑driven laboratory culture. Ensure all Geneva employees comply with The Geneva Foundation and Federal site policies, procedures, and SOPs. Operational Responsibilities Collaborate with leadership to set annual goals and communicate vision to the broader team. Provide regular operational, technical, and financial updates to leadership. Assess and design internal operations, identify areas of process enhancement, and lead change‑management plans to deliver efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with Geneva corporate personnel and Principal Investigators on audits, administration, and regulatory compliance activities. Own day‑to‑day internal operations laboratory, translating scientific priorities and institutional requirements into executable operational plans. Ensure operational readiness of laboratory and office environments, including space utilization, equipment coordination, safety practices, and continuity of operations. Oversee non‑technical program management functions, including schedules, milestones, deliverables, internal reporting, and coordination across teams. Serve as the primary internal coordination point for operational engagement to ensure timely and compliant completion of required research, administrative, and educational activities. Financial Responsibilities In collaboration with leadership, develop and implement fiscal and financial operational strategies, initiatives, and resource‑management plans. Conduct budget and operational analysis, forecasts, and recommend cost‑effective strategies in conjunction with research statements of work and timelines and Geneva Finance. Develop and manage financial reporting in coordination with Geneva Finance, program management personnel, and portfolio personnel. Analyze and track program requirements and funding over a near‑to‑medium term horizon (one to five years). Optimize staff, materials, and equipment by monitoring expenditures and outcomes, ensuring optimal use of funds and personnel to meet research and educational missions. Benefits Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision healthcare; flexible spending account, health savings account with employer contribution; coverage for employees and family members, including domestic partners; short‑ and long‑term disability; employee assistance program; life & ADD insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match; flexible leave options; 11 paid holidays per year; and up to 4 weeks of paid time off in a rolling year. Employees may qualify for PSLF as Geneva is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Full‑time positions come with all benefits. Part‑time and intermittent positions may vary. EEO Statement The Geneva Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Geneva Foundation