Chief of Staff

Bat Conservation International

Chief of Staff to the Executive Director

Location: Remote (U.S.), ET hours

Department: Executive Office

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Salary: $160k to $165k

About Bat Conservation International

Bat Conservation International (BCI) is dedicated to conserving the world's bats and their habitats through science, conservation, restoration, and collaboration. Our work brings together people, partnerships, and resources to protect biodiversity and create a healthier planet.

About the Role

BCI is seeking a strategic, resourceful, and highly collaborative Chief of Staff to partner closely with our Executive Director and help move the organization's most important priorities forward.

This senior, non-supervisory role will play a central part in strengthening Board relations and governance, advancing strategic priorities, supporting senior leadership effectiveness, and improving how BCI operates.

We're looking for someone who brings exceptional judgment, builds trusted relationships, and knows how to turn complex ideas into action. The right person is equally comfortable thinking strategically, navigating ambiguity, and rolling up their sleeves to get things done. Candidates must be available to work Eastern Time hours. Preference will be given to applicants based in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area, though location within this region is not required.

What You'll Do

Strengthen Board Governance, Recruitment & Engagement

• Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison for BCI's Board of Directors, strengthening relationships, engagement, and governance practices.
• Partner with the Executive Director on Board prospect research, pipeline development, recruitment coordination, onboarding, and ongoing engagement.
• Support the Governance Committee, coordination implementation of governance audit recommendations, and help strengthen effectiveness and governance practices.
• Manage Board and committee meeting processes, materials, communications, and follow-through creating more proactive and efficient ways of working.

Partner with the Executive Director

• Act as a trusted representative of the Executive Director, helping prioritize and advance high-impact organizational initiatives, anticipating needs and translating ideas into action.
• Translate priorities into action, strengthen executive processes, and create capacity for the Executive Director to focus on the organization’s highest-value work

Drive Strategic Priorities & Organizational Effectiveness

• In collaboration with the Leadership team, help turn BCI's strategic plan into clear priorities, milestones, accountability, and measurable progress.
• Connect work across teams, remove barriers, and move complex or stalled initiatives forward.
• Support senior leadership alignment, decision-making, and more effective ways of working.

Advance Innovation & Special Projects

• Identify opportunities to use technology, AI, and automation to improve productivity and organizational capacity.
• Lead emerging, cross-functional, or high-priority projects that need structure, momentum, and execution.
• Build sustainable processes and transition ongoing ownership to appropriate teams.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Significant progressive experience in strategy, operations, executive partnership, governance, organizational leadership, or related work.
• Experience working with executive leaders and supporting Board relations, governance, or senior stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives and translate strategy into execution.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence across teams without formal authority and navigate competing priorities.
• Strong technology fluency and interest in using AI and automation to improve how organizations work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a nonprofit, conservation, or other mission-driven organization.
• Experience with Board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement.
• Experience with strategic planning, organizational development, or change management.

What Will Help You Thrive

You build trust quickly, anticipate what needs attention, and bring clarity to complex situations. You are strategic but hands-on, comfortable influencing without authority, and energized by making organizations work better. You value collaboration, exercise sound judgment, and take pride in turning important ideas into meaningful results.

Work Environment

This is a remote U.S.-based position requiring occasional travel for Board meetings, leadership gatherings, and organizational priorities.

Why Join BCI?

BCI offers competitive compensation, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, paid leave, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

Our Commitment

Bat Conservation International is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute. We believe diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthen our organization and our conservation impact.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply

If you have 70% or more of the qualifications for this role, we encourage you to apply. Research shows that many talented candidates are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you can contribute to our mission, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter describing how your experience has prepared you for this role, what interests you about the position, and how it aligns with your professional goals.

***All applications are reviewed through ADP Workforce Now***