Chief of Staff

About Locus:

At Locus, we know communities thrive when they have equitable access to capital. We collaborate with stakeholders across the community development ecosystem to invest in communities with strong aspirations, while addressing challenges like a shortage of affordable housing, limited access to fresh food, a lack of quality jobs, and clean energy innovation. We believe a capital system that centers community input and impact is essential to ensure that everyone, no matter their background, location, or economic status, can live in healthy, thriving places.

Locus is the parent organization for a family of community development enterprises, which includes a nonprofit CDFI loan fund, a CDFI bank, a fund management practice, and a national guarantee program. With offices in Christiansburg and Richmond, Virginia, Locus offers innovative and flexible financing tools and strategic consulting services to individuals and organizations in underestimated and excluded communities, most of which are low-to-moderate income. Alongside our many partners, Locus has generated over $2 billion dollars in total impact.

Locus is a nonprofit holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve. Locus Bank is an FDIC-insured, certified bank and B Corp offering products tailored to socially conscious investors. Locus Bank is a majority-owned subsidiary of Locus. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at  

The Chief of Staff role is a critically important role, enabling the CEO to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders and fulfill their commitments to staff, partners, funders, and the Board of Directors. The Chief of Staff will have primary responsibility for helping the CEO to drive execution of the Locus Strategic Plan. This role is strategic, facilitative and requires a combination of focus, flexibility and a willingness to play an active, behind-the-scenes role. The role requires a highly resourceful individual with strong emotional intelligence, self-motivation, strong analytical skills, and a strong community development background.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a trusted advisor and valued counsel for CEO, senior leadership, and the board
• Works directly with the CEO to provide oversight and guidance on priority projects, strategic initiatives and corporate culture
• Serves as liaison to management, staff, and other key partners
• Provides a wide range of analytical work by performing in-depth management and program reviews to suggest improvements and efficiencies
• Identifies and resolves problems, assures completion of assignments and projects in alignment with CEO's guidance, and presents the views and opinions of CEO on policy issues and operations management as required
• Develops and maintains an inventory of critical projects that support the Locus strategy and mission. These would include both internal and external projects. COS may at times be called upon to manage communications and lead meetings in the service of moving the project towards completion
• Responsible for the management of a portfolio of large and medium projects of moderate to high complexity
• Works with leadership staff to align their actions and communications in support of agreed-upon goals
• Assist leadership staff in preparing and informing the CEO on critical projects and goals to ensure their timely completion and success  
• Works with VP of Corporate Governance in preparation and presentations to the board
• Promotes team integration as well as cross-functional communication and collaboration
• Reviews and develops policies and procedures
• Participates in the organization's strategic planning process

Requirements

Experience/Education/Certifications

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in business management, economic development or advisor role
• Ability to organize and prioritize work activities to meet deadlines and ensure high-quality work products
• High level of adaptability and flexibility required
• Ability to travel as required

Experience in: 

• Organizing and directing multiple teams and departments
• Developing, planning and leading strategic initiatives to include conducting analysis, evaluating options and making recommendations
• Leading efforts to develop and implement policy as it related to financial access programs and community or economic development
• Developing and maintaining relationships with state/national organizations, academia and government agencies as it relates to economic policy and programs
• Working with a board of directors
• Expert writing skills and oral communication skills
• Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in business administration or similar field
• Physical/Sensory Demands: Fast-paced working environment, requiring quick decisions within areas of responsibility

Computer/Technology:

• Excellent Word, Excel, and Windows file management skills mandatory
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM tools
• Demonstrated web research skills
• Familiarity with Outlook or similar network-based email and calendar software
• Extensive computer usage and Microsoft Teams communication
• Must be able to work independently in a stable remote environment

Communication:

• Ability to communicate verbally across all levels of the organization in a clear, concise, and confident manner
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others
• Ability to write accurate, clear, and organized communications, incorporating a range of information and analysis. Ability to document workflow and procedures

Compensation and Benefits:

• $210,000 - $225,000 annual salary, depending on skills and experience
• Annual bonus opportunity
• 20-days of PTO per year 
• 13-paid holidays per year
• Medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Family Leave options
• 401k savings plan with employer match

Locus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Locus does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, non-job-related disability, or status as a veteran.