Chief of Staff

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic and operational partner to the President & CEO, increasing the CEO’s effectiveness by aligning priorities, coordinating Board of Director management and ensuring critical initiatives move forward with clarity and accountability. This role strengthens organizational communication, supports leadership team effectiveness, and serves as a trusted advisor and liaison across internal teams, the board, and key community and industry partners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing strategic insight, analysis, and recommendations.
• Support organizational alignment by understanding cross-department priorities and staff across teams.
• Keep the CEO informed of key organizational issues, risks, and emerging opportunities.
• Lead and manage preparation for and at Board Meetings, including communications with Board members and staff.
• Track and manage follow-through on action items, deadlines, and commitments from Board meeting.
• Partner with the CEO to manage calendar, meetings, travel, and workload.
• Prepare meeting briefs, background summaries, and decision-ready materials.
• Manage information flow into the CEO’s office from across the organization, Board and industry.
• Draft CEO communications, presentations, and talking points for internal and external audiences.
• Serve as liaison between CEO, staff, and board members to ensure timely, clear communication.
• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and sound judgment.
• Build relationships across Discover Newport to understand needs, surface insights, and support leadership decision-making.
• Represent the CEO and/or Discover Newport at meetings and events as directed.
• Support relationship-building with civic, tourism, and community partners.
• Support CEO and team by handling daily administrative tasks, including answering phones, greeting visitors, organizing files, ordering supplies and preparing documents.
• Assist with event planning and coordination.
• Manage four part-time visitor center attendants, including scheduling.
• Provide updated destination information.
• Maintain cruise ship schedule in partnership with City of Newport Harbormaster.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public administration, hospitality/tourism, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in executive operations, project/program management, organizational leadership, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success coordinating cross-functional work and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience supporting a CEO or senior executive strongly preferred.
• Tourism, destination marketing, or hospitality experience are strongly preferred.

KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to represent executive voice.
• Strong project management and execution discipline; thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• High emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and ability to navigate sensitive topics.
• Analytical mindset; strong judgment, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Highly organized, proactive, and solutions oriented.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

In-office presence in Newport required. Occasional evening/weekend commitments and some travel may be required.

Salary: $87,500 a year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan