The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve health care; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the President/CEO, acting as an extension of the Executive Office to drive organizational priorities, enhance leadership team effectiveness, and ensure alignment between strategy and execution. This role operates at the intersection of strategy, operations, and governance, translating vision into action and enabling efficient decision-making across the organization.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Office:
- Acts on behalf of the President/CEO in select internal and external engagements
- Drives alignment and followthrough on executivelevel decisions
- Identifies and elevates risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations to executive leadership
- Monitors and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the Executive Office.
- Serves as a primary liaison for Executive Office communications, including development of presentations, speeches, and executive remarks.
- Oversees Executive Assistant functions, ensuring effective scheduling, communications, travel coordination, and executive support.
- Drives execution of the organization’s Strategic Plan, including tracking progress, identifying risks, and ensuring accountability across the leadership team.
- Manages the Annual Operating Report process and organizational performance dashboards.
- Facilitates communication across the leadership team and broader organization.
- Provides highlevel oversight for organizational initiatives and events such as Thought Leaders Assembly, Partners Award, and CEO Connect.
- Supports leadership engagement activities, including Board Chair/CEO reporting and leadership rounding.
- Leads highpriority, crossfunctional initiatives and timesensitive projects critical to organizational success.
Governance:
- Plans, manages, and supports Board of Directors meetings, including agendas, materials, minutes, presentations, and followup actions.
- Oversees Board committees, including Governance, Bylaws, Joint Council, and Nominating Committee processes.
- Partners with the COO to manage the annual election process and committee operations.
- Coordinates engagement with consultants supporting governance activities.
- Leads environmental scanning initiatives to identify best practices in nonprofit governance and drive continuous process improvement.
Operations / Other:
- Supports organizational operational priorities and strategic projects in partnership with the COO.
- Partners with leadership to identify, evaluate, and advance revenuegenerating opportunities aligned with strategic priorities.
- Provides oversight of the Office Manager, including administrative operations and office functions.
- Oversees coordination of the association’s volunteer processes, including recruitment, appointments, communications, and website updates.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree or higher in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required. Candidates with a nursing background are preferred but not required.
- 15 plus years of progressive experience with increasing scope and accountability, including direct support to senior executives in complex organizations.
- Proven experience in project management, strategic planning, and implementation.
- Experience working with Boards of Directors, governance structures, and committees, preferably in a nonprofit or association environment.
- Strong background in organizational operations, process improvement, and change management.
- Experience managing multiple priorities in a fastpaced, highvisibility environment.
Leadership Competencies:
- Strong communication skills, including written and verbal executivelevel communication
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
- Project management expertise
- Strategic planning and implementation capabilities
- Proficiency with technology and digital tools
- Ability to act as a change agent and drive organizational improvements
Supervisory Responsibilities:
The Chief of Staff oversees the Executive Assistant and Office Manager, ensuring efficient executive support, scheduling, and administrative operations. This role also manages volunteer coordination—including recruitment, appointments, communications, and engagement—and may guide cross-functional teams and project stakeholders to align with organizational objectives.
Work Environment / Physical Requirements:
This position operates in a professional office environment with a hybrid work schedule, balancing in-office presence with remote work as appropriate. The role requires the ability to perform standard office activities, including extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, and participating in meetings, both in person and virtually.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Benefits Summary:
AACN offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth, including:
- Paid time off
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Longterm disability coverage
- Retirement plan with a generous employer contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Professional development support
- SmartBenefits for commuting costs
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Salary Range:
$195,000 – $210,000 annually
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and a thoughtful cover letter to Log in to view email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve health care; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.
