Job Description

Vannin Chief of Staff has been retained by a private, non-profit research institute that collaborates between government and private sector.

Chief of Staff Role

Our client is seeking a Chief of Staff to join the executive leadership team. This individual will report directly to the CEO and serve as a strategic advisor and operational leader, supporting key corporate functions such as Finance, Project Controllers, Security Operations, Contracts, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), facilities and infrastructure. The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in aligning resources, optimizing operations, and fostering a high-performance culture that prioritizes innovation, compliance, and customer experience.

The ideal candidate is a highly strategic and execution-focused leader with a strong scientific or technical background in areas such as engineering, physics, computer science, or related fields. They should have significant experience in operational excellence, cross-functional leadership, and project management with demonstrated P&L responsibility in private industry. They are proactive, highly collaborative, and possess strong emotional intelligence (EQ) to navigate complex organizational dynamics. They excel at driving accountability, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency while maintaining a strong culture of transparency and integrity.

This will be a full-time, exempt position based onsite in Dayton, OH . Relocation packages are available.

Responsibilities

Executive Team Leadership and Company Strategy

• Partner with the CEO to develop and execute the company's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive innovation, efficiency, agility, compliance and mission success.
• Represent the CEO in key internal and external meetings, ensuring consistent messaging and execution.
• Develop executive communications, presentations, and reports for board members, government and industry clients, and internal as well as external stakeholders.
• Foster strategic relationships across all functions to support business collaboration, growth and alignment.
• Lead strategic planning and ensure execution meets corporate and board objectives.
• Champion a culture of high performance, accountability, high integrity, and continuous improvement.

Operations and Shared Services 

• Oversee Finance, Project Controllers, Security Operations, Contracts, the Chief Information
• Security Officer, Contracts, procurement, and facilities and infrastructure ensure financial health, budget adherence, and regulatory compliance (FAR, DFARS).
• Oversee the CISO to maintain cybersecurity integrity and compliance.
• Oversee facilities and infrastructure to enhance secure and efficient technology deployment.
• Ensure IT infrastructure supports compliance requirements, operational efficiency and innovation.
• Drive process optimization, risk mitigation, compliance and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement strategies, policies, procedures, and KPIs to enhance company growth.
• Monitor key performance metrics and address areas of concern.
• Lead strategic operational business initiatives, addressing operational challenges and evaluating risks.
• Develop executive presentations and communications, ensuring alignment across the organization for key meetings and events, including but not limited to Board/Committee meetings, reviews, All Hands meetings, internal and external speaking engagements, off-sites, and events.

Team Management and Supervision

• Cultivate a customer-centric culture with a focus on compliant continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop leadership teams, fostering accountability, compliance, and growth.
• Partner with HR to strengthen talent development and retention strategies.
• Ensure leadership teams conduct mid-year performance reviews.
• Promote an inclusive work environment where diversity of backgrounds, experience, and inputs are sought and valued.
• Oversee staff development, coaching, and compliance with professional conduct and ethics standards.
• Manage and coordinate executive operations, meetings, reports, and events.
• Manage operations meetings, conferences, and correspondence with discretion to support leadership and mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related scientific/technical field. Business, Organizational Leadership, or Management degrees may be considered with strong technical experience.
• Minimum 15 years of project and change management expertise, demonstrating analytical and logical skills with a focus on collaboration and problem-solving frameworks.
• Experience in leading and supporting organizations of > 200 employees with a revenue greater than $100M.
• Proven P&L experience and responsibility in private industry (not government).
• At least 5+ years of experience in private industry following any government service.
• Strong understanding of DoD/federal government clients and operations.
• Active Top Secret clearance (TS/SCI or TS/SAP preferred).
• Expertise in financial analysis, operational management, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, project management tools, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Exceptional executive presence and written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Experience in aerospace, AI/ML, computational physics, modeling and simulation, command and control, or exploitation technologies.
• Experience in "Skunk Works" style R&D organizations
• Background in space-related technologies or experience with Space Force, SDA, or related agencies.
• Experience working with DARPA, AFRL, ONR, Army, Navy, DNI, AFOSR, AFLCMC, NASIC, ARL, IARPA, SOCOM, Classified Clients, NASA, DOE, and other DoD research programs.
• Proven ability to juggle multiple projects and meet tight deadlines, showcasing strong ownership, organizational, and time-management capabilities under pressure.
• Skilled in professional and diplomatic written and verbal communication, capable of engaging effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders with high executive presence.
• Self-starter and self-motivated with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
• Available to work onsite daily in Dayton, OH.
• Ability to travel up to 25% or as needed.

Compensation Range : DOE $240,000-260,000 USD annual salary + bonus. Relocation stipend is offered.

What to Expect from Our Selection Process

We are seeking passionate operators who possess the ability to move from strategy to tactical smoothly to join our leadership team. Our selection process is designed to assess the whole candidate and foster a mutual match for you and our client. The process includes:

1. Vannin Chief of Staff Screening: 15 minute phone interview & 30 minute video interview
2. Client Step 1: Complete ISPI & Birkman Assessment
3. Client Interview 1: Virtual 2:1 panel interview with key leaders
4. Client Interview 2: Virtual 2:1 panel interview to review ISPI & Birkman Assessment
5. Client Interview 3: Virtual 1:1 with CEO
6. Client Interview 4: In person tour, case study and dinner with CEO

Our client is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where our employees can thrive and be themselves! They welcome all persons into our community. They embrace the diversity of gender, gender identity or expression, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical and mental disabilities, medical condition, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, marital status, family care or medical leave status, military or veteran status, or perceived membership in any of these groups.

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