Chief Of Staff - Nuclear Innovation Alliance
Washington, DC
About the Job
Why Join US- We are a Mission-Driven Organization
The Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) is dedicated to transforming the future of nuclear energy by making it more affordable, sustainable, and impactful. We believe that advanced nuclear technology can play a crucial role in addressing the world's energy challenges, from climate change to energy security. By joining NIA, you'll be part of a forward-thinking organization committed to making a real difference in the world. You'll contribute to a mission that aims to revolutionize the energy landscape, driving innovation that benefits people and the planet.
Our Culture
We recognize that the future of nuclear energy depends on integrating diverse perspectives and expertise. Our team combines professionals from engineering, economics, policy, and finance to achieve common goals through collaboration, where everyone's voice is valued and innovative ideas are encouraged. As a leader in nuclear energy and policy innovation, NIA constantly explores new ideas to improve nuclear energy systems, staying ahead of industry trends while supporting continuous learning and professional development. Our impactful work addresses global challenges such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing reliable energy access, influencing policy decisions and industry standards worldwide. NIA is primarily funded by climate and energy philanthropy and is an independent source of technical and policy analysis and information for companies, policymakers, and society.
We prioritize a supportive and inclusive work environment, celebrating diversity and offering equal opportunities for all employees, with flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance. By joining NIA, you'll contribute to pioneering efforts that challenge the status quo, drive meaningful change, and help redefine nuclear energy project development. Our commitment to excellence is driven by integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic, ensuring that our team members are empowered to make a positive impact in their fields.
Summary of Role
The Chief of Staff will work closely with the Executive Director to oversee the strategic, operational, and organizational functions of NIA. This role ensures alignment between NIA's objectives and operational execution, focusing on stakeholder engagement, team support, and strategic planning. The Chief of Staff serves as a trusted senior advisor to the Executive Director and acts in their place, as appropriate, including representation in high level meetings, and discussions.
The Chief of Staff will provide oversight on time sensitive issues and initiatives related to NIA's mission. They are also responsible for building and sustaining an effective support structure for the organization and acting as point of contact and interface between the Executive Director, other stakeholders, and NIA staff.
This is an office based role with some flexibility to work from home. (2 day office/3 day work from home)
Salary is $90,000-$130,000 depending on experience
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Support the Executive Director and collaborate with senior staff to develop and execute NIA's strategy, monitor progress toward goals, and drive forward planning across the organization.
- Provide oversight for day-to-day operations.
- Support the Executive Director with funder engagement, and manage relationships with the NIA Board of Directors, Industry Council, Advisory Committees, and other stakeholders by coordinating meetings, tracking participation, and fostering partnerships with public and private organizations.
- Lead development of talking points, organizational policies, and certain external-facing materials, supporting the Executive Director in engagements with panels, media, and key stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Operational Efficiency and Partnership Development:
- Develop strategies to improve internal systems and organizational efficiency.
- Support NIA in establishing strategic and sustainable long-term partnerships with public and private organizations.
- Work to ensure that reporting, projects, and timelines are being met across all workstreams.
- Strategic Planning and Organizational Alignment:
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to refine NIA's strategy and work plan.
- Prioritize and monitor tasks related to the execution and implementation of a broad agenda.
- Oversee forward planning to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Monitor progress toward annual goals, recommend actions, and advise the Executive Director.
- Communicating NIA's Mission and Workstreams:
- Support the Executive Director and work with senior staff to engage with NGOs, funders, and other external stakeholders to present NIA's mission, priorities, and workstreams.
- Support and manage relationships with these key stakeholders to identify opportunities and work towards achieving NIA's mission.
- Project Management:
- Oversee tracking and fulfillment of NIA's key deliverables.
- Manage grant proposals and reports, incorporating input from staff.
- Coordinate the development of content for meetings, including:
- Board meetings.
- Advisory committee and Industry Council engagements.
- External presentations to parties interested in nuclear energy more broadly
- Manage relationships with Industry Council members by:
- Coordinating annual calls and quarterly meetings.
- Tracking engagement and participation.
- Policy Development and External Engagement Support:
- Coordinate development of organizational talking points and policy frameworks.
- Coordinate the preparation of talking points, presentations, and comments for the Executive Director's external engagements (panels, media, etc.).
- Collaborate with staff on policy and substance for organizational materials.
- Team Management and Staffing:
- Coordinate with the Executive Director and Research Director to strategize hires and manage recruitment processes.
- Screen and interview candidates for NIA positions.
- Coordinate new employee training and onboarding with the Executive Director
- Financial Oversight:
- Work with the Executive Director, Research Director, and accountants on budgeting and financial reporting for funders and the Board.
- Support forward financial planning and oversight.
- Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned, as this job description is not designed to cover all possible activities, duties, or responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- College degree required, MBA, MPP, or other advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5-8 years of experience successfully leading cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated interest in public policy.
- Experience with nuclear energy systems, advanced nuclear energy technologies, the nuclear fuel cycle, and nuclear energy as a climate and energy security solution.
- Demonstrated ability to lead the creation and implementation of multi-faceted operating plans and budgets.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
- Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills along with a high level of diplomacy, discretion and problem solving ability.
- Proven success in developing collaborative relationships, and a successful track record of providing successful advice and counsel to senior leaders.
- Excellent organizational and follow-up skills to drive results are required.
- Ability to lead and oversee multiple engagements simultaneously, communicate prioritization of open engagements and adjust resources as needed to effectively meet all deadlines as needs shift.
- Advanced communication and PowerPoint skills, with ability to influence, and develop and maintain collaborative relationships at all levels within the organization and externally.
- Proven ability to lead and develop people, and improve processes, in accordance with strategic direction.
Benefits for you:
In addition to a great organization to work for with a very relevant and needed mission, NIA offers extensive benefits including:
- Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance as well a retirement plan with a match
- Generous vacation, sick and holiday leave
- Salary commensurate with experience
Nuclear Innovation Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to: age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.