Chief of Staff

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals whose expertise provides essential support for those with specialty nutrition needs and those seeking better health through nutrition. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Academy is supported by a professional staff of 141 employees and an extensive network of volunteer leaders. Working in partnership with its Board of Directors, affiliate organizations, practice groups, committees, and councils, the organization operates within a highly collaborative governance structure that relies on strong executive leadership, strategic coordination, and execution to advance its mission and strategic priorities.

The Chief of Staff (CoS) to the CEO is a senior executive-level leader responsible for driving strategic alignment, governance and operational execution across the association. By strengthening governance, aligning leadership, and driving execution, this role enables the organization to deliver greater value to its members, expand its influence, and achieve long-term mission success. Serving as a trusted advisor and extension of the CEO, this role ensures the organization’s strategic priorities are effectively translated into actionable plans, delivered with discipline, and aligned with member value, mission impact, and financial sustainability.

This position plays a critical role in board governance, executive office leadership, enterprise program management, and organizational transformation in a complex, member-driven environment.

The Chief of Staff position is a Chicago based hybrid role that requires the Chief of Staff to be located in the Chicagoland area, and be available for in office presence as required. Some travel is required (up to 25%) to support major organizational meetings, and leadership activities.

• Lead the CEO’s office, ensuring seamless coordination of CEO priorities, communications and leadership engagement
• Act as a trusted advisor, synthesizing complex internal and external issues into strategic insights and recommendations
• Align the executive leadership team (ELT) around priorities, execution milestones, and organizational messaging
• Facilitate leadership cadence (ELT meetings, retreats, strategic reviews, annual planning cycles)
• Represent the CEO in internal and external forums as appropriate, including member engagements and industry events
• In coordination with the Academy’s Human Resources leader support the CEO’s goals and performance development process
• Provide transparent reporting to the CEO, on initiatives progress, risks, and outcomes

• Partner with the CEO and Board Chair to strengthen governance effectiveness for aligning Board processes, facilitating transparent communication, and ensuring Board activities advance the Academy’s strategic priorities.
• Provide executive oversight of Board and committee operations, ensuring effective governance processes, high quality Board materials, meeting effectiveness, and timely follow-through on Board actions.
• Lead the continuous improvement of governance practices, Board operations, and governance policies, to enhance Board effectiveness, and organizational performance.
• Promote sound governance by ensuring clarity of decision rights, governance structures, roles, and organizational accountability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO on governance matters, Board dynamics, and executive communications.
• Oversee governance, enterprise risk, compliance, and policy implementation to ensure alignment with the Academy’s bylaws, regulatory requirements, and governance best practices

• Lead the development and execution of the association’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with mission, member needs and industry…