Chief of Staff to the COO

About Change.org and the Role

Change.org is the world’s leading platform for democracy, dedicated to empowering citizens globally. Amidst growing global dissatisfaction with democratic processes, the company is heavily investing in AI technologies to develop powerful tools that amplify individual voices and foster bipartisan collaboration on shared societal issues. Their core petition platform serves over 100 million users annually and is undergoing a complete redevelopment to empower anyone to become a civic leader. A new platform is also in the works to identify and mobilize widespread consensus on key local and national issues, aiming to engage hundreds of millions in advocating common-ground solutions.

As Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will serve as a senior strategic partner, driving operational effectiveness within the organization. Your role entails translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, clarifying operations, and enabling the COO to focus on critical, high-impact decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted partner to the COO, proactively anticipating informational needs and preparing comprehensive briefings that facilitate budget management, policy deliberations, and execution of top strategic priorities.
• Manage and uphold the operational rhythm of the COO and the Operations leadership team, including consistent prioritization, preparation, and follow-through across weekly and annual planning cycles.
• Act as a credible representative for the COO in cross-functional meetings and organizational leadership activities, including executive meetings and retreats, ensuring continuity of momentum in the COO’s absence.
• Enhance operational rigor by auditing and refining core processes within the Operations function, ensuring disciplined and consistent execution of established plans.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Judgment: Deep understanding of organizational priorities that connects immediate tasks with long-term objectives and exercises excellent decision-making amid complex factors.
• Operational Leadership & Execution: Skilled in designing and managing systems that maintain focus and excellence in execution within the COO’s office and Operations, including familiarity with key operations areas such as finance, human resources, legal, or equivalent functions.
• Executive Communication & Influence: Proficient in producing clear, concise communications and briefing materials that empower decisive action; adept at influencing senior leadership without formal authority.
• Relationship Building & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Quickly cultivates credibility and strong partnerships across departments to foster alignment and organizational cohesion.
• AI Curiosity: Enthusiastic about exploring AI’s role in organizational operations, possessing a growth mindset and quick adaptability to new tools and systems for enhanced leverage.

Desired Experience

• 7 to 10+ years in operations, strategy, or Chief of Staff positions within dynamic tech or mission-driven organizations.
• Proven track record of directly supporting or collaborating with C-suite executives such as COOs or CEOs.
• Prior leadership roles including Chief of Staff, Head of Operations, or Strategy/Operations lead.
• Background knowledge spanning finance, human resources, legal, or related operational areas beyond general consulting or project management.

Work Location and Compensation

This full-time position is onsite, based in Canada. The company employs a pay equity philosophy, with salaries pre-determined according to role level and local labor costs. In Canada, the salary range for this role is CAD 188500 to CAD 206500 annually. Benefits and perks vary by location.

Recruitment Process

• Initial recruiter screening
• Interview with the hiring manager
• Completion of a take-home assignment
• Team interviews
• Executive interview
• Reference verifications
• Offer extended to successful candidate

Equal Opportunity and Additional Information

Change.org values diverse experiences and perspectives as integral to its mission. The organization is an equal opportunity employer, considering all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process upon request.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials in English. The company adheres to data privacy standards and participates in required verification programs. Optional demographic data collection supports diversity and inclusion efforts.