Chief of Staff

Vital City provides practical solutions, deeply rooted in research and evidence, to urban

problems, particularly public safety. We seek to bring to life the best ideas about how New York and other cities can be healthy, vibrant and safe. Each week, we publish original commentary, bringing together contributors across a broad political spectrum. We also make our own policy recommendations, based on the insights of leading researchers and practitioners. We provide the public with access to data, based on the belief that an informed citizenry is crucial to democracy.

And we organize public events in an effort to advance new thinking about how to improve urban life.

Vital City seeks a resourceful and detail-oriented Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff will be the point person for day-to-day administration of the organization. S/he will be responsible for working closely with all staff, playing a pivotal role in improving operations, streamlining processes, and supporting all aspects of our work. This is a hands‑on role for a motivated nonprofit professional ready to wear many hats and drive organizational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate project management to ensure initiatives are delivered on schedule.
• Assist in tracking spending, monitoring budgets, and processing contracts and invoices, to ensure the financial health of the organization.
• Convene and facilitate staff meetings as needed to ensure access to information and promote teamwork.
• Provide direct support to the leadership of Vital City, ensuring that their involvement in decision‑making processes takes place at pivotal moments.
• Manage internal communications, ensuring that all members of the Vital City team have access to key information about the organization.
• Organize round tables, meetings and public events.
• Manage hiring and onboarding process for new staff, including drafting and posting job descriptions, outlining interview processes, and screening candidates.
• Develop, implement, and improve internal processes to maximize efficiency and foster a positive team culture.
• Assist with development including grant writing and reporting.
• Oversee development and improvement of Vital City’s website in partnership with the managing editor.
• Assist with HR functions as needed.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in operations or project management.
• Strong financial acumen; experience assisting with budgets, contracts, and expense tracking.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• A cooperative, can‑do attitude, and ability to thrive in a small team and a fast‑paced setting.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, multitask, and drive diverse projects to completion simultaneously.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and commitment to advancing Vital City’s mission.
• Understanding of and commitment to Vital City’s mission.

To Apply

Please send the following to info with “Chief of Staff” in the subject line:

• Resume or CV.
• A short letter (not more than 300 words) describing why you believe you are a good fit for Vital City.

Salary range: $70,, commensurate with experience and location

Vital City is an equal‑opportunity employer. It is operated as a project of the Fund for the City of New York, which serves as Vital City’s fiscal sponsor.

Audience Engagement Strategist

New York City preferred, but remote is possible.