As a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Chief of Staff serves as a strategic thought partner to the President & CEO and helps drive alignment, coordination, and execution of CFBNJ’s highest organizational priorities. The Chief of Staff works across functions to translate strategy into action, facilitate executive decision-making, monitor progress against organizational priorities, and lead or support complex cross-functional initiatives. The Chief of Staff also partners with the President & CEO and other key staff to support Board engagement related to strategic and organizational priorities and represents the President & CEO and CFBNJ with external partners and stakeholders, as appropriate.
Organizational Support:
-Partner with the President & CEO to identify, prioritize, advance, and monitor the organization’s highest strategic and operational priorities.
-Collaborate with ELT on a variety of strategic initiatives.
-Lead or coordinate high-priority, complex, and time-sensitive initiatives on behalf of the President & CEO, particularly those requiring cross-functional collaboration or that do not sit exclusively within one organizational function.
-Support effective alignment and coordination across the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team, including facilitating leadership discussions, identifying cross-functional dependencies, and ensuring appropriate follow-through on decisions and priorities.
-Serve as the President and CEO’s ambassador at internal and external meetings, as assigned.
-Partner with the President & CEO and other key staff to support Board engagement and communication related to strategic and organizational priorities.
-Analyze and synthesize organizational, network, community, and external data to identify opportunities, inform strategy, and support executive decision-making.
-Partner and participate with stakeholders across the organization to help drive strategic priorities and initiatives.
-Lead or support cross-functional initiatives that improve the accessibility, equity, quality, and effectiveness of CFBNJ’s services to communities and network partners.
-Partner closely with internal teams including: operations, programs, resource development and advocacy to analyze, design, and develop and improve our relationship with our current and potential network partners.
Strategic Planning:
-Lead and coordinate CFBNJ’s strategic planning and strategy execution processes in partnership with the President & CEO and ELT.
-Translate strategic priorities into measurable goals, initiatives, timelines, and accountability.
-Establish processes to monitor progress against organizational priorities and facilitate leadership review of results.
-Partner with initiative owners to identify barriers, resolve cross-functional issues, and maintain progress toward established goals.
-Synthesize organizational data, performance information, and emerging trends to support executive decision-making and strategic planning.
External Affairs:
-Collaborate with local, state, and national partner organizations to help set policy priorities.
-Work effectively with NJ-based food banks, Feeding America and other key anti-hunger organizations.
-Create and distribute well written and organized written communication both internally and externally.
-Professionally engage with government officials, board members, food bank network leadership, network agencies and other important stakeholders.
-Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, communications, or a related field— or equivalent professional experience.
-At least 10 years of progressive experience in community engagement, public policy, government relations, or advocacy, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
-Strong project management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines with professionalism.
-Proven ability to collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
-Analytical mindset with experience gathering and synthesizing data to support strategy and decision-making.
-High cross-cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
-Master’s degree or professional certification a plus.
-Experience in anti-hunger advocacy and policy work at the local, state, or federal level is preferred.
-A valid driver’s license with history of a good driving record.
-Ability to travel that may include consecutive overnight stays, and traveling by car, bus, and airplane.
-Occasional evenings and weekends.
-Opportunity for Impact: At CFBNJ, your work drives meaningful changes. Just last year, we provided over 90 million meals and 35 million pounds of fresh produce to our neighbors in need.
-Wellness that Works for You: Rooted in our culture of caring, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, generous sick/personal time off, 14 paid holidays, childcare resources, and organization-wide engagement days for rest and reflection.
-Professional Development: Grow your career through our Learning Lab, with access to workshops, online courses, and book resources. We also offer tuition assistance and certificate reimbursement for job-related training to support continuous growth.
-Recognition and Belonging: We celebrate great work and grow inspiration with Bonusly, our peer-recognition platform, and foster community through employee resource groups to create space to uplift voices and strength connections
-Retirement Planning: Plan confidently for your future in our 401(k) program, including a 4% company match after one year of service.
Link to Apply: https://apply.workable.com/j/B86129299E
Apply with resume.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ), a member of Feeding America®, works to end hunger by distributing food to more than 800 community partners – including food pantries, soup kitchens, and child and senior feeding programs – and by connecting neighbors in need with supportive solutions.