Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, COO and executive team, supporting the execution of NGNRI’s scientific, operational, and organizational priorities. As a core member of the leadership team, this role will translate strategy into action, ensuring alignment, accountability, and momentum across the institute.

The successful candidate will be an analytical, highly adaptable leader with experience in complex, fast-paced environments. They will drive cross-functional coordination, manage high-priority initiatives, and support executive decision-making. The role will also oversee preparation of Board materials, facilitate internal communication, and support effective engagement with external stakeholders.

During NGNRI’s initial ramp-up phase, the Chief of Staff will additionally serve as Chief People Officer, helping to shape the organization’s culture, establish an environment where staff can thrive, and contribute to high-level strategy for recruitment and HR.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively across both scientific and operational domains, with a consistent focus on advancing NGNRI’s mission.

About the role

• Partner with the CEO, COO and NGNRI executive team to drive strategic planning, priority setting, and execution of NGNRI’s mission

• Track and ensure progress on key initiatives, goals, and deliverables across scientific and operational teams

• Facilitate cross-functional coordination between research, operations, and external partners (including MSU, HFH, and the Gilbert Family Foundation)

• Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations for the CEO, Board, and key stakeholders

• Support the planning and execution of Board meetings, advisory forums, and executive-level engagements

• Serve as a liaison on behalf of the CEO to internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment and effective communication

• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives as directed by the CEO

• Identify and address organizational inefficiencies, recommending and implementing process improvements

• Assist in developing and maintaining organizational structures, workflows, and governance processes

• Support executive decision-making through analysis, synthesis of information, and scenario planning

• Help foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance across NGNRI

• Ensure sensitive matters are handled with the highest level of confidentiality and professionalism

About you

• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism

• Strategic thinker with strong execution focus

• Adaptable, resourceful, and solutions-oriented

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders

• Calm under pressure and capable of managing competing priorities

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability

• Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to influence without authority

• Committed to advancing NGNRI’s mission and values

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a strategy, operations, consulting, or leadership role, preferably in a scientific, healthcare, academic, or nonprofit environment

• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives and drive execution

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of executive level materials

• High level of organizational capability and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a dynamic environment

• Experience supporting senior executives or working closely with leadership teams

• Familiarity with research environments, biomedical organizations, or translational science is an asset

• Experience with governance, board relations, or stakeholder engagement is a plus

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, MSc, or related field) preferred

What you’ll get

Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We’ve got your back. Check out our full list of Benefits and Perks.

About us

The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI) is a nonprofit organization focused on developing treatments and cures for Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and other neurological disorders and cancers with significant unmet need. Backed by the Gilbert Family Foundation and created in partnership with Michigan State University (MSU) and Henry Ford Health (HFH), NGNRI brings together leading scientific and clinical expertise to accelerate translational discovery.

Located within a new, state-of-the-art research facility in midtown Detroit, NGNRI offers a highly collaborative environment alongside MSU and HFH. The institute is equipped with advanced platforms—including organoid and stem cell models, AI-driven analysis, FACS, and CRISPR technologies—and provides access to extensive shared core facilities.

NGNRI supports both in-house researchers and visiting scientists, creating a dynamic, mission-driven ecosystem designed to advance innovation and deliver impact in an underserved field. As part of Detroit’s rapidly growing medical research campus, NGNRI offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge science within a vibrant and expanding hub.

This job description is an outline of the primary responsibilities of this position and may be modified at the discretion of the company at any time.  Decisions related to employment are not based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.  Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations in completing the application and/or participating in the application process should contact a member of the Human Resources team, at [email protected].