Director of Operations & Chief of Staff

The Director of Operations & Chief of Staff is a senior leading team member and functions as the organization’s second-in-command. This role is fit for a seasoned professional who thrives in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment. They should enjoy building systems, supporting people, solving problems, and bringing structure and accountability into an ambitious workplace.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Operations & Chief of Staff oversees all organizational operations, including human resources, payroll coordination, administrative systems, and project management, and staff accountability. This role supervises approximately 10 staff members and collaborates closely with leadership across programming, operations, development, and administration. The Director of Operations & Chief of Staff translates organizational vision into effective execution.

The ideal candidate for this role is both highly relational and operationally strong: someone who leads with warmth, professionalism, emotional intelligence, excellent judgment, and accountability.

This role is fully onsite in Renton, Washington. Remote work is not available for this position.

• Lead and oversee day-to-day organizational operations across departments
• Develop, implement, and refine systems, workflows, and operational infrastructure that support organizational growth and sustainability
• Champion the integration of standardized project management practices and tools
• Establish task management systems that communicate progress, priorities, deadlines, and accountability
• Coordinate cross-functional communication between departments and leadership
• Lead project status meetings with staff and leadership
• Support management of project scope, scheduling, timelines, and operational priorities
• Identify operational inefficiencies and proactively implement improvements
• Help cultivate a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, accountability, and collaboration
• Ensure organizational operations remain aligned with policies, procedures, and strategic priorities
• Support operational planning for performances, events, student programming, and organizational initiatives

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director
• Help prioritize organizational initiatives and manage competing demands
• Manage the Executive Director’s calendar, scheduling, and meeting coordination
• Assist with executive communications and inbox management
• Help prepare board materials, presentations, reports, and meeting agendas
• Attend quarterly board meetings and support board coordination logistics
• Track leadership action items and organizational follow-through
• Reduce operational burdens on the Executive Director to allow greater focus on fundraising, strategic growth, external partnerships, artistic leadership, and teaching

• Oversee employee onboarding, personnel records, and HR documentation
• Administer payroll coordination, benefits enrollment, and employee compensation systems
• Track attendance, scheduling, and employee compliance matters
• Identify performance concerns, attendance issues, accommodations, and potential need for disciplinary action or investigation
• Address employee questions, concerns, and operational needs with professionalism and discretion
• Support hiring processes, onboarding, and future organizational recruitment efforts
• Assist with future national searches for instructional and leadership positions
• Help mentor and support staff development across the organization
• Partner closely with the Executive Director to ensure organizational operations remain compliant with federal, state, and organizational policies

• Coordinate bookkeeping processes and collaborate with external accountants to reconcile financial records
• Monitor operational expenses and support budget oversight
• Oversee office systems, records management, and administrative infrastructure
• Maintain organized physical and digital filing systems
• Coordinate operational logistics for meetings, performances, and events
• Ensure office inventory…