Chief of Staff, Programs

The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness) is a private, independent foundation established in 1992 with a mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California. As one of the largest health-focused foundations in California, with over $1 billion in assets, Cal Wellness is a nationally recognized leader for its strategic core operating support for grantees; public policy grantmaking; and a focus on violence as a public health issue. It is Cal Wellness’ desire to promote equity and level the playing field so that everyone has access to good-paying jobs; healthy and safe neighborhoods; and quality health care services.

The foundation’s current Advancing Wellness grantmaking strategy includes four interrelated portfolios. Since its founding, Cal Wellness has awarded nearly 9,000 grants totaling more than $1 billion. As the foundation looks to the future, it is pursuing new and innovative strategies beyond its core grantmaking to advance its mission, including implementation of new technology systems, development of its public affairs capacity, and establishing mission- and program-related investment portfolios.

Please visit www.calwellness.org for more information.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The California Wellness Foundation seeks a highly strategic, collaborative, adaptable, and action-oriented leader as Chief of Staff (CoS) to support the leadership of Lori Cox, the Vice President of Programs (VPP), in the Grants Program Department. This is an exciting time to join the team, as the VPP implements her vision entering her second year leading the department, and a new Cal Wellness long-term strategy is on the horizon. The CoS will serve as deputy to the VPP in managing the department, and support and oversee a wide range of program-related activities including strategy, grantmaking, staffing, learning, special projects, and program operations. The CoS will also support grant making from the VPP’s office and ensure the prioritization of critical issues for the VPP to help facilitate timely decision-making. The CoS may also provide leadership within one or more of the Advancing Wellness (AW) portfolios - including grantmaking, strategy, and learning - with a focus on areas outside of the main portfolios. This position will be the ultimate high-level utility player.

The CoS will serve as a senior leader and creative thought partner to the VPP, bringing and building upon innovative ideas to enhance processes, systems, relationships, and outcomes. As the eyes and ears of the VPP, the CoS will leverage exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to develop and maintain strong relationships within the department and across the Foundation, breaking down silos and building bridges to conceive of and/or implement complex initiatives; build internal capacity; and step in, when needed, as a representative of the VPP, Grants Program Department, and Foundation. The ideal candidate will possess deep understanding of and direct experience in grant making programs; be passionate about the Foundation’s mission, vision and values; and enjoy hands-on leadership, coaching, and execution as part of a sizeable, passionate team. The CoS will supervise one or more staff, and will have leadership presence, management experience, and a passion for developing teams and individuals.

COMPENSATION

$220,000

HOW TO APPLY

Click here for more information or to apply. Cal Wellness operates with a hybrid work model that supports in-office and remote work. In-office attendance will typically be required Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As a statewide grant maker, staff are expected to travel throughout California to connect with leaders and communities. Frequent travel for site visits, learning visits, community visits, conferences, meetings, and events is required. Travel is estimated at 40% to engage with the team and have a regular presence at our Los Angeles headquarters and our Oakland office and to attend meetings and convenings across the State. This position may be based in Los Angeles or Oakland.

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