Chief of Staff and Operations

Sick Cells is hiring a dynamic and mission-driven Chief of Staff and Operations to join its team. Sick Cells is a national advocacy nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of the sickle cell disease (SCD) community and driving systemic change. Through storytelling, advocacy, and policy engagement, we elevate the lived experiences of those affected by SCD, influence health policy, and promote health equity.

The Chief of Staff and Operations is responsible for leading the organization's day-to-day operations. This position is responsible for strengthening organizational effectiveness and workflow efficiency, leading the Sick Cells team, and supporting the strategic imperatives of the Board of Directors and President & Co-Founder. This position reports to the President & Co-Founder.

This is a hybrid position, with two days per week spent in the Wheaton, IL, office. Occasional travel, weekend, and evening work may be required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President & Co-Founder.
• Lead cross-functional coordination of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with the mission.
• Support board relations, including planning meetings, preparing materials, and managing follow-ups.
• Facilitate annual planning, goal setting, and performance tracking across programs.

People & Culture

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture aligned with Sick Cells’ values.
• Supervise and evaluate performance for direct reports.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and mentorship to all team members.
• Support staff development, onboarding, and performance management.
• Ensure equitable and effective human resources practices are in place and adhered to.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring processes are efficient, compliant, and scalable.
• Manage internal systems, including human resources, finance, legal compliance, and IT, in coordination with the Director of Operations.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to support organizational growth.

Project Management & Execution

• Support the organization’s programs, including program launches, partnerships, or advocacy campaigns.
• Ensure seamless internal communications and collaboration across Sick Cells team.

External Relations & Partnerships

• Represent Sick Cells in strategic meetings and coalitions as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, consultants, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in nonprofit management, operations, consulting, or a related field.
• Successful record leading operations and teams required, including financial management and budgeting.
• Proven track record in project management, operations leadership, or chief of staff roles.
• Senior leadership and management experience are required.
• Experience managing internal and external contractors and partners.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with established deadlines.
• Passion for health equity, advocacy, or lived experience with sickle cell disease is a plus.

Benefits

This is a full-time, direct-hire position. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, ranging from $135,000 to $145,000. The benefits package includes health, vision, and dental insurance, 403b 1% match, professional development, and generous paid leave.

How to Apply

To apply, please send a current resume and cover letter to employment@sickcells.org, with “Chief of Staff and Operations” in the subject headline. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.