Chief of Staff

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Full Time Los Olivos, CA, US

9 days ago Requisition

Salary: $72,000.00 Annually

Chief of Staff

Position Summary

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner to the Head of School in advancing the mission, vision, and institutional priorities of Dunn School. This role supports the operational, strategic, governance, and organizational effectiveness of the School while helping steward initiatives aligned with Dunn’s evolving strategic model and Whole Student Education philosophy.

The Chief of Staff operates as a highly collaborative leadership role that enhances institutional alignment, organizational execution, and communication across key areas of school life. The position requires exceptional discretion, professionalism, project management capacity, relational intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics with clarity and care.

The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Head of School.

Dunn School is committed to educating whole students to their fullest potential, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership. Our mission is guided by five core values:
Emotional Wellness, Physical Readiness, Intellectual Growth, Social Responsibility, and Moral Courage.

Founded in 1957, Dunn School fosters a vibrant community rooted in its motto, Ne Tentes Aut Perfice (“All or Nothing”), inspiring students and faculty alike to pursue their goals with passion and determination. As a Round Square School, Dunn emphasizes character development through the IDEALS:
Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. Nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Dunn offers an exceptional environment for both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Strategic Partnership to the Head of School

• Provide executive-level calendar and scheduling coordination to ensure alignment of the Head of School’s time with governance responsibilities, advancement priorities, leadership initiatives, and institutional strategy.
• Support the planning, implementation, and follow-through of key leadership initiatives, strategic planning, accreditation goals, and organizational priorities set by the HOS

Governance Support

• Support the work of the Board of Trustees and Board Committees, including but not limited to the Governance Committee.
• Assist in the preparation of governance materials, strategic planning documents, board communications, meeting agendas, and minutes.
• Support trustee onboarding, governance education, and ongoing board development processes in collaboration with School leadership.
• Help steward governance systems and practices that support institutional effectiveness and mission alignment.

Advancement and Grant Support

• Support donor engagement processes and advancement-related projects as directed by the Head of School in coordination with Chief Advancement Officer.
• Assist with institutional storytelling and strategic initiatives connected to community engagement and philanthropy.

Committees and Coordination

• Oversee and support the Time and Space Committee.
• Provide operational coordination and logistical support for committees and special projects as assigned by the Head of School.
• Help facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication around committee work and initiatives.

Talent and Professional Community Support

• Work with and in coordination with HR on the following:
  • Provide high-touch logistical and operational support for leadership searches and onboarding processes for new professional community members.
  • Assist with interview coordination, hiring logistics, candidate hospitality, and onboarding systems.
• Support HOS efforts related to professional culture, organizational effectiveness, and when applicable leadership transitions.

Dunn All School Events and Community Engagement

• Support the planning and execution of major all school events, including but not limited to:
• Convocation
• Fall Family Festival
• Graduation
• Leadership and…