Chief of Staff - Urban Ocean Lab

Department: Urban Ocean Lab

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Remote

Reporting To: Managing Director

Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000 / year

Description

ABOUT URBAN OCEAN LAB
Urban Ocean Lab (UOL) is a coastal climate policy think tank reimagining how coastal cities respond to climate change. Co-founded by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Jean Flemma, UOL connects bold ideas with practical tools—shaping public imagination, informing policy, and equipping local leaders to build just, resilient, and livable coastal futures.

UOL is led by a Managing Director, with the ongoing leadership and thought partnership of its founders.  UOL also collaborates closely with a diverse advisory board that  provides strategic guidance and sectoral expertise. UOL is an independent operating project of Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit that accelerates impact for sustainability-focused initiatives. UOL operates as a remote-first organization with staff located across the U.S. and an active node in New York City.

THE OPPORTUNITY
This is an exciting moment to join UOL as it grows its influence at the intersection of coastal resilience, design, and policy innovation. The Chief of Staff will serve as a key strategic and operational partner to the Managing Director, helping to translate UOL’s vision into clear priorities and coordinated action across the organization. This role will oversee internal systems, ensure alignment across programs, and manage special projects that advance UOL’s mission.
The ideal candidate is a systems thinker and natural collaborator with a strong background in climate policy, organizational management, and cross-sector coordination. They will play a central role in strengthening UOL’s operational backbone and helping the organization grow through its next stage of development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• Provide direct thought partnership to the Managing Director on organizational priorities, work planning, and team coordination.
• Support the development and implementation of annual strategic objectives and performance milestones.
• Oversee internal systems to ensure alignment between UOL’s workstreams.

Program Coordination and Special Initiatives

• Coordinate cross-team projects that connect UOL’s research, partnerships, and communications work.
• Lead implementation of new initiatives that emerge, ensuring timely delivery and clear roles.
• Monitor progress toward goals and flag opportunities or challenges requiring leadership attention.
  
  

Operations & Culture

• Strengthen internal workflows, project management tools, and team communications systems.
• Help foster an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture that reflects UOL’s values of creativity, curiosity, and equity.
• Partner with Multiplier or consultants on hiring, onboarding, and organizational development processes as needed.

External Coordination & Representation

• Represent UOL in external meetings or partnerships when appropriate.
• Support preparation for advisory board meetings, donor engagements, and strategic convenings.
• Ensure smooth coordination between UOL’s programmatic work and external communications or partnerships.

Who You Are

We know no single candidate will bring every qualification, and we encourage candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Ideal candidates will bring:

• 7+  years of relevant experience in climate, environmental policy, urban planning, or public sector management roles.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects, cross-functional teams, or organizational initiatives.
• Strong understanding of climate resilience, coastal adaptation, or related policy landscapes.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across sectors and with senior leadership.
• Comfort working in a growing organization where roles and systems evolve with the work.

Workplace, Compensation & Application

Workplace: Remote (with a strong preference for candidates based in U.S. coastal cities; UOL maintains a team node in New York City) All employees work from home offices with occasional travel (1-2 times per year) for all-team in-person meetings.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is <