Chief of Staff

About Pivot Bio:  

At Pivot Bio, we are working together to transform agriculture, finding smarter, more sustainable and, ultimately, more profitable ways for farmers to grow. Working with and for farmers, we’re using cutting-edge science to create a microbial nitrogen for the world’s most vital crops. We are replacing synthetic fertilizers with a more sustainable, nature-driven plant nutrition that benefits farmers, consumers and the planet.

Reporting to the CFO, this position will partner with the Executive Leadership Team to form cohesive leadership across all company-level efforts and projects, as well as build and support best practices for collaborative management. The Chief of Staff will serve as a bridge to the team, providing strategic and operational leverage on day-to-day activities, providing pragmatism and creativity, and identifying practical solutions to complex business situations. This role will organize, prioritize, and synthesize on all critical issues, as well as ensure efficient facilitation of decision-making and execution of objectives. This role will also own our goal-setting process (OKRs) ensuring on-going alignment with and reporting out on our work to achieve those goals.

Candidate Profile

The Chief of Staff should have the maturity to handle multi-faceted job requirements and be resourceful in tapping the right expertise to accomplish non-routine projects. They will be flexible, a proven problem-solver, an exceptional communicator, organized and detail-oriented, concise and decision-oriented. This leader must be culturally savvy, have high EQ, and be sharp and tenacious. It will be important that this person can help take ideas, conceptualize them into something attainable, and see them to fruition. The Chief of Staff will require the ability to flex from leading large cross- functional efforts to executing smaller and more tactical work as needed. The individual must be comfortable with ambiguity and fluidity while leading others through complex situations. It is important that this person can think strategically and possess excellent judgment and common sense. This leader will bring outstanding interpersonal skills that build relationships across and beyond Pivot, with the ability to influence, collaborate and build consensus. They can identify interdependencies between issues, data and outcomes with a clear understanding of how moving pieces come together to build the big picture. The Chief of Staff will hold proven abilities to communicate ideas and insights succinctly and with impact, understanding what is relevant versus what is “noise” to the audience.

Strategy

• The inclination to seek and analyze data from a variety of sources to support decisions and to align others with the organization’s overall strategy.
• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing new, innovative ideas that will stretch the organization and push the boundaries within the industry.
• The ability to effectively balance the desire/need for broad change with an understanding of how much change the organization is capable of handling, to create realistic goals and implementation plans that are achievable and successful.
• Able to oversee, manage, and prioritize to ensure smooth operations across the company, making sure projects are in alignment with stipulated timelines, with the highest quality outcome delivered.
• Can proactively engage with all internal teams, keeping a pulse across all orgs and strategic projects, connecting the dots across the company and partnering closely with key stakeholders.

Executing for Results

• The ability to support clear and challenging goals while committing the organization to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty; the ability to adapt nimbly and lead others through complex situations.
• A smart risk-taker who seeks data and input from others to foresee possible threats or unintended circumstances from decisions.
• A leader who is viewed by others as having a high degree of integrity and forethought in their approach to making decisions; the ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always taking into account what is best for the organization.
• Supports audacious business goals, driving concerted action and investments, and stays the course in the face of setbacks or push-back.

Relationships and Influence

• Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.
• An ability to inspire trust and followership in others through compelling influence, use of data, passion in their beliefs, and active drive.
• Encourages others to share the spotlight and visibly celebrates and supports the success of the team.

Trusted Advisor

• Build credibility and high-trust relationships with internal and external stakeholders; act as a strategic thought partner to effectively anticipate and respond to the needs and requests of stakeholders.
• Trusted Advisor to the CEO and the ELT in meeting preparation, including agendas or documents, ensuring clear action items and follow up meetings are planned, managing against budget, talent and timeline goals.

Ideal Background/Personal Characteristics

• Strategic leadership and management skills; ability to develop, motivate, and effectively lead execution with excellence; exceptional interpersonal skills; approachable and builds rapport with all; inclusive team player; collegial and accessible.
• A track record of demonstrating emotional intelligence with the ability to read people and situations and respond appropriately. Ability to adapt easily, flexible and open to change, willing to try new things.
• Strong relationship management skills employing a consultative, non-territorial approach and excellent listening skills; understands differences in communication styles and preferences with the ability to adapt; effective facilitator in all interactions.
• Proven track record of success in managing multiple projects, serving multiple clients, problem solving, and counseling and advising senior leaders.
• Intellectually curious and stays on top of current industry trends.
• Expert generalist and strategic thinker who proactively thinks about issues and opportunities, recommending value- added solutions and is an effective implementer of those solutions to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Pragmatic team player who is not confined by a job description and is willing to step in to assist where needed.
• Ability to provide objective advice and recommendations with conviction.
• A self-starter who proactively anticipates needs and takes ownership in finding applicable solutions with high energy and a sense of urgency.
• Practical, congenial, positive, trustworthy and unflappable disposition.
• Highly organized, accountable, reliable and attentive to detail.
• Confident and willing to share ideas, addresses concerns head-on, asks questions for clarification, handles feedback in a professional manner and has difficult conversations when appropriate.
• Bachelor’s Degree; advanced degree (MBA) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in progressively senior key strategic leadership roles.

What we offer: 

• Competitive package in a disruptive startup 
• Stock options 
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums 
• Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies 
• Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts 
• 401(k) plan, 3% Match 
• Commuter benefits 
• Annual Training & Development support 
• Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule 
• Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team

*Internal employees, please apply by clicking on the Internal Job Board icon on NSIDER