Job Description

Robin Hood seeks a strategic, mission-driven, impact-oriented, and equity-focused leader to serve as its next Chief of Staff.

The Chief of Staff will serve as a key partner to the CEO, amplifying Robin Hood's impact by ensuring strategic and values alignment, consistent communication, and effective collaboration across the organization. The Chief of Staff will work closely with Robin Hood’s board and executive leadership team to effect our ambitious mission and to empower the CEO to focus on the highest-leverage activities. This Chief of Staff will drive measurable improvements in organizational effectiveness while strengthening Robin Hood's position as one of the most impactful poverty-fighting organizations in New York City, and one of the most influential poverty-fighting organizations in the country.

About Robin Hood

Founded in 1988, Robin Hood is a 501(c)(3) public charity that finds, fuels, and creates the most impactful and scalable solutions lifting New Yorkers permanently out of poverty in New York City. We convene philanthropists, civil society organizations, government, businesses, nonprofits, community members, and those living in poverty to develop and advance programs and policies that can make the American Dream real here in New York City.

Our investments include best-in-class organizations providing legal services, housing, meals, workforce development training, childcare, education, and other vital services that give New Yorkers the tools to build better lives. The programs it funds are often the first of their kind and serve as demonstration models to identify what works before being replicated in other cities. Because our Board of Directors covers 100% of all administrative, fundraising, and evaluation costs, every dollar donated goes directly to organizations helping New Yorkers in need.

While Robin Hood's primary focus is on New York, its impact extends far beyond the borders of the city. Its pioneering, metrics-based approach has become the gold standard for charities around the nation as Robin Hood works to understand and evaluate the impact of its partners to ensure that its philanthropic dollars are utilized to maximum impact. Robin Hood also supports its community partners and their leaders with financial and strategic support and management assistance that allows those organizations to maximize their impact.

Robin Hood also understands that if we are to support families living in poverty on the path towards financial independence, we must become an effective partner with government. We do this by collaborating with government partners to build program and policy innovations that hold the promise of expanding economic opportunity in New York City -- providing nimble "risk capital" for high-potential strategies. We also work to advance public policies that research tells us expand economic opportunity. In this way, we seek to leverage our philanthropic investments by finding ways to advance the highest-impact strategies at scale.

Robin Hood has the unique ability to be a catalyzing force for those living in poverty, bringing distinct constituencies together to develop and spread the most effective strategies to advance economic mobility in New York City and beyond.

Our Approach:

1. Focusing on Results : We invest in best-in-class organizations operating effective programs. We fund research to understand how poverty persists and what strategies are effective in fighting it. And we track grant outcomes and apply cost/benefit analyses to ensure every dollar we invest demonstrably improves the lives of low-income New Yorkers.
2. Building Institutions that Transform New York City : We offer management advice, strategic real estate consulting, board placement services, financial and communications coaching, leadership development, and other technical assistance to help our partners increase scale and impact.
3. Driving Innovation to Solve Unmet Needs : We invest in new leaders, new organizations, and new ideas that have groundbreaking potential.
4. Scaling What Works : We partner with government and other funders to grow proven solutions in New York City and beyond, so more people benefit from investments that work.

Reporting Relationship

The Chief of Staff will report to Robin Hood's Chief Executive Officer. The Chief of Staff is a senior leader at Robin Hood and will serve on the Executive team.

Position Overview

This Chief of Staff role is uniquely positioned to drive systemic change in the fight against poverty in New York City. Operating at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution, the successful candidate will be a trusted advisor and senior operational leader who amplifies the impact of Robin Hood's $150 million annual giving and 300+ partner organizations.

The Chief of Staff serves as a key strategic thought partner to the CEO and organizational integrator, with direct responsibility for translating Robin Hood's ambitious vision into measurable outcomes that lift New Yorkers out of poverty. This is a senior management and leadership role that requires a rare combination of strategic sophistication, operational excellence, and deep commitment to social justice—someone who can seamlessly navigate between boardroom strategy sessions with philanthropists and community meetings with grassroots advocates. The Chief of Staff will often function as an extension of the CEO, helping to effect the CEO’s priorities and vision throughout the organization.

Working closely with the Executive team, the Chief of Staff will:

• Optimize CEO Impact : Design and manage systems that maximize the CEO's focus on the highest-leverage activities that advance organizational mission and revenue growth
• Drive Strategic Execution : Transform strategic vision into concrete action plans with clear accountability, ensuring Robin Hood's investments deliver maximum poverty-fighting impact
• Orchestrate Information Flow : Create robust communication systems that keep leadership informed, aligned, and responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges
• Represent Organizational Leadership : Serve as the CEO's proxy in critical internal and external meetings.
• Lead Complex Initiatives : Spearhead special projects that require cross-functional coordination, stakeholder management, and innovative problem-solving

The Chief of Staff will also play a pivotal role in maximizing the effectiveness of Robin Hood's Board of Directors—ensuring these influential leaders are positioned to provide optimal governance, strategic guidance, and resource mobilization.

This role requires occasional travel and flexibility to adapt to the dynamic needs of New York City's most impactful poverty-fighting organization.

Our People Values

Robin Hood's culture is built on four core values that guide how we work together and serve our community:

1. Put People First : We are ALL Robin Hood, and our staff reflects the beautifully diverse city we serve. Diversity, equity, and inclusion practices are built into all aspects of our work, because we know that diversity = representation
2. Data Driven, Heart-led : Our work is informed by rigorous metrics, but fueled by compassion for, and dedication to, our fellow New Yorkers.
3. Create Solutions : To find and fund poverty-ending solutions, we value team players, deep thinkers, innovators, and thought leaders.
4. Work the Coat Check : Robin Hooders operate from a service-mindset always, ready to do what it takes to support our fellow New Yorkers in need.

Success Metrics

Within 12-18 months, the successful candidate will demonstrate impact through:

• Strategic Execution : On-time delivery of all strategic plan milestones with clear accountability systems in place
• CEO Effectiveness : Measurable alignment of CEO time allocation with Robin Hood's strategic priorities, demonstrated through quarterly time audits and strategic priority advancement
• Executive Team Functioning : Enhanced cross-departmental collaboration and decision-making effectiveness, evidenced by improved coordination on key initiatives and streamlined organizational processes
• Board Strategy and Governance : Board satisfaction scores of 90%+ on meeting effectiveness, preparation, and communication

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning (30% of role)

• Develop and manage Robin Hood's multi-year strategic planning process, with significant engagement from the executive team, other staff, board members, and partners
• Lead the annual strategic planning cycle, translating multi-year vision into actionable priority plans with clear metrics and timelines
• Build and maintain accountability systems to track progress on annual and multi-year plans, including quarterly reviews and course corrections
• Serve as the primary integrator across departments to ensure strategic alignment and eliminate organizational silos

Executive Team and the Office of the CEO (30% of role)

The Executive Team is a cabinet composed of Robin Hood's senior leadership that advises the CEO.

• Serve on the Executive Team; lead Executive team meetings and agendas; and ensure timely follow-up of deliverables arising from executive team meetings
• Manage the CEO's office to ensure appropriate time utilization in relation to internal and external requirements
• Assist the CEO in developing, planning, and executing office-wide communications and events
• Work with all relevant stakeholders to prepare the CEO for internal and external meetings, presentations and events; provide staff support at external meetings, activities and events and ensure timely follow-up of all action items
• Create agendas, establish priorities, and drive the timely preparation and presentation of materials for all key internal meetings involving the CEO
• Represent the CEO at meetings and events, as requested; attend meetings with the CEO as needed

Board Strategy & Governance (30% of role)

• Collaborate with the CEO, the Chair of the Board, and Robin Hood's executive team to support board engagement, relationship management and overall board communications. Ensure that Board members are informed, connected and enthusiastic, and able to execute governance responsibilities effectively
• Plan and manage all aspects of Board meetings, including logistics (in coordination with the Events team), agenda and compilation of Board materials
• Serve as staff lead for Board Executive committee meetings. Manage meeting agendas; ensure timely follow up of deliverables
• Work with all relevant internal stakeholders to prepare materials for the Board committee meetings
• Working in collaboration with Development, ensure that Board members' records and files are up-to-date and maintained in Salesforce. Maintain accurate files and records related to the Board members
• Assist in the development and planning of the annual Board strategy retreat
• Engage in root cause analysis on issues that impact board and committee success and propose alternate approaches to addressing the opportunity
• Serve as a resource to all board members
• In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, manage efforts around Board nominations and on-boarding of new members. Facilitate committee work and manage efforts around Board development in partnership with the Development department
• Serve as the key staff lead for the Board Governance and Nominating Committee, working in close collaboration with General Counsel and Chief Development Officer

Special Projects (10% of role)

• Complete special projects as directed

Qualifications

Required Experience & Skills

• Strategic Leadership : Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with demonstrated ability to translate vision into executable plans and measurable outcomes
• Operational Excellence : At least 10-15 years professional experience, including at least 5 years of senior-level operational responsibility in nonprofit organizations and/or New York City/State government, with preference for experience in both sectors
• NYC Expertise : Deep knowledge of New York City's policy and programmatic landscape, with established relationships among government officials, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates in poverty-related policy areas
• Executive Presence : Proven ability to represent Robin Hood credibly with high-net-worth donors, government officials, community leaders, and senior leaders at Robin Hood.
• Management Excellence : Experienced manager adept at driving results through both direct reporting relationships and indirect influence, consensus-building, and collaboration

Technical & Cultural Competencies

• Metrics-Driven Approach : Comfort working in data-driven environments with experience analyzing program outcomes and organizational performance metrics
• Technology Proficiency : Advanced skills with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), data analysis tools, project management platforms, and financial analysis/budget management
• Communication Excellence : Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences from grassroots advocates to Fortune 500 executives
• Emotional Intelligence : High degree of self-awareness, humility, and diplomacy, with ability to operate effectively in high-stakes environments where sound judgment and confidentiality are critical

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability : Ability to thrive in dynamic environment, create structure where none exists, and execute under tight deadlines
• Strategic Vision : Capability to be both long-term strategic visionary and understand current operational realities
• Cultural Alignment : Comfort with Robin Hood's entrepreneurial, results-oriented culture and commitment to our mission of fighting poverty
• Interpersonal Excellence : Kindness, collegiality, and calm demeanor with a "no drama" approach to workplace relationships and challenges

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Robin Hood is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation in all aspects of its work. As a leading NYC poverty-fighting organization, we actively build a diverse team that reflects the richness of the communities we serve and strengthens our ability to develop effective solutions to complex social challenges.

The Chief of Staff role is central to this commitment. This position requires deep understanding of diverse communities, the ability to build authentic relationships across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines, and the cultural competence to ensure that Robin Hood's strategies and partnerships reflect the lived experiences of New Yorkers facing poverty. We seek a leader who brings diverse perspectives to strategic planning, board engagement, and organizational decision-making.

Robin Hood actively recruits diverse candidates, ensures equitable hiring practices, and creates an inclusive workplace where all team members are empowered to contribute their full potential. We provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, particularly for junior staff, and foster a culture where diverse voices drive innovation and organizational excellence.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds who are passionate about fighting poverty and committed to advancing equity in New York City.

Compensation

Robin Hood offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and comparable to similar roles at leading New York City nonprofits and foundations. The package includes:

• Base Salary : Competitive with market rates for similar senior-level positions
• Bonus Structure : Performance-based bonus opportunities
• Health Benefits : Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Retirement : Comprehensive retirement plan including employer-funded contributions
• Paid Time Off : Generous PTO policy
• Work Arrangements : Hybrid work flexibility within our primarily in-office culture
• Professional Development : Opportunities for continued learning and growth
• Impact : The opportunity to make a measurable difference in fighting poverty in New York City

We are committed to pay equity and transparent compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $240,000 - $275,000.

This role is located in New York City. Under Robin Hood’s hybrid work policy, team members are expected to be in the office three days a week—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Applicants should reside within commuting distance of our New York City office. Please note that our in-office requirements are subject to change.

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