Chief of Staff/Sr. Vice President - Indianapolis Foundation

Description:

About us

The Indianapolis Foundation is one of the nation’s first community foundations, established in 1916. It received its first gift in 1920 and made its first grant in 1924. For more than a century, The Indianapolis Foundation has served as a catalyst for lasting community impact—mobilizing people, ideas, and investments to create a city where all residents have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential – no matter place, race or identity.

Summary

The Indianapolis Foundation (IF) is entering an important new chapter marked by strategic clarity, renewed focus, and expanded community leadership with the implementation of a forward-moving strategic plan. IF is poised to deepen its influence and accelerate progress across Marion County. To support this momentum, we are seeking a seasoned, highly skilled Chief of Staff who can provide strategic counsel, operational excellence, and cohesive leadership across teams. This leader will play a critical role in ensuring organizational alignment, driving key priorities, and enabling the organization to operate at the highest level during this transformative period.

This individual acts as an internal integrator—driving priorities, decision-making, and execution—and an external ambassador, representing the organization to partners, funders, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the connective tissue of the organization, ensuring that strategy, people, and resources are aligned to advance the organization’s mission and navigate change effectively.

• Strategic Leadership and Alignment
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Partner with the President & CEO and executive team to refine and implement the organization’s strategic vision and transformation agenda.
• Translate strategy into actionable plans with measurable outcomes and clear ownership.
• Lead strategic initiatives and special projects that advance organizational priorities.
• Ensure the President & CEO’s time, energy, and focus align with the highest-impact activities.
• Anticipate and surface emerging opportunities or risks, advising on course corrections.
• Internal Integration and Organizational Effectiveness
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Oversee cross-departmental coordination and ensure collaboration across teams.
• Chair or facilitate leadership team meetings, retreats, and priority-setting processes.
• Track performance against organizational goals; maintain dashboards and accountability mechanisms.
• Strengthen operational processes and communication flows.
• Support internal culture-building and alignment around new ways of working.
• External Representation and Strategic Relationships
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Serve as deputy and trusted external representative of the President & CEO with funders, partners, and networks.
• Lead or co-lead strategic partnerships and alliances in line with the organization’s mission.
• Represent the organization at conferences, convenings, and media engagements when delegated.
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders to advance influence and fundraising goals.
• Coordinate executive communications, including speeches, op-eds, and high-level briefings.
• Board and Governance Support
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Partner with the President & CEO to manage board relationships and ensure effective governance.
• Oversee preparation for board meetings—agendas, materials, follow-up, and alignment on strategic issues.
• Serve as a key liaison between board committees and staff as needed.
• Leadership of the Executive Office
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Supervise executive office operations, ensuring discipline, focus, and responsiveness.
• Lead and mentor staff supporting the executive office (executive assistant, communications associate, etc.).
• Model values of transparency, integrity, and collaboration.
• Change Management and Organizational Transformation
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary driver for internal transformation initiatives—aligning people, systems, and culture.
• Partner with HR and communications to ensure staff are engaged and informed throughout change.
• Lead or coordinate efforts to redesign organizational structures, processes, or capabilities.
• Track change readiness and progress.
  
  

Requirements:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in:
• Nonprofit leadership or management
• Philanthropy or grantmaking organizations
• Government, public policy, or community development
• Strategic planning or operations roles
• Executive-level support or chief-of-staff–type functions
• Experience in the nonprofit or philanthropic sector preferred.
  
  

Skills & Attributes

• Strong project management skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Passion for community impact, equity, and inclusive storytelling.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Flexible hybrid environment (in office three-four days a week).
• Occasional evening or weekend events may be required.
  
  

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Pet Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• PTO and 10.5 Paid Holidays
  
  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:

The Indianapolis Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to recruit people of diverse backgrounds and to support their retention and advancement. We are committed to fostering a workplace culture inclusive of people with respect to their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, age, disabilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs or any other characteristic. Our commitment to diversity also means providing a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and engaging.