ABOUT THE FIRM
Three Cairns works to accelerate climate action and the transition to a clean energy economy. We are a mission‐driven philanthropic and investment firm. Three Cairns incubates, develops, and scales climate-related initiatives. Our current portfolio includes early-stage capital deployment (Allied Climate Partners), financial market infrastructure (Global Carbon Market Utility), and climate talent in the Global South (Allied Talent Partners).
Three Cairns uses philanthropy, investing, policy, and political advocacy to support the policies, talent, infrastructure, businesses, and technology essential to climate and the promotion of economic vitality and climate justice. Our work ranges from supporting not-for-profit and for-profit ventures to supporting educational institutions, policy research, issue advocacy, talent development, and convenings. Partnerships are essential to our work. We seek to learn from and collaborate with key partners working on the climate crisis. We work globally and within the U.S.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief of Staff will act as both a trusted partner and tactical support to the Co-Founder and Managing Principal. In this role, you'll ensure the Principal’s time is well-protected and aligned with his priorities, managing his executive office for maximum efficiency. You'll serve as his right hand, attending most meetings and events, capturing action items, and overseeing follow-ups. The ideal candidate is someone who consistently provides high-quality work and a positive attitude in a fast-moving environment. This person should enjoy problem-solving, taking action, and distilling complex information into key insights for the Principal. Additionally, the candidate must possess a high level of emotional intelligence and take pride in building, cultivating, and maintaining relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief of Staff’s responsibilities will encompass three primary areas:
Ensure the Principal's Highest and Best Use of Time
- Optimize the Principal’s time, focusing on strategy, ideation, external priorities, and thought partnership with initiative leaders.
- Collaborate with the Executive Assistant and Scheduler to ensure alignment with the Principal’s priorities.
- Attend meetings and events with or on behalf of the Principal, capture notes, share relevant information, and ensure timely follow-up on all actions.
- Provide the Principal with consistent, relevant briefings.
- Anticipate needs and proactively offer solutions.
Deliver Results on Behalf of the Principal
- Translate the Principal's visions and ideas into actionable steps, gain buy-in from stakeholders, and effectively project manage them to completion.
- Manage strategic projects on behalf of the Principal, ensuring progress without requiring their direct involvement.
- Track performance, research new solutions, and escalate issues or updates as needed.
- Ability to both strategize and execute effectively.
Facilitate Cross-Functional Integration
- Foster a collaborative, close-knit team that is aligned with organizational goals and strategic objectives.
- Implement structure, processes, and mechanisms to enhance team alignment, facilitate effective information sharing, and ensure steady progress toward objectives.
- Understand the interconnections between various initiatives and projects, discern the necessary flow of information, and ensure key individuals are included in relevant discussions. Act as a central knowledge hub, providing team members with insights to be well-prepared.
- Collaborate closely with Managing Directors, team members, and CEOs of incubated initiatives to promote strong communication and bring clarity where it's needed.
- Partner with stakeholders to ensure the timely and accurate completion of projects and initiatives.
- Champion alignment and accountability across the organization.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- 8-12 years of professional experience, preferably some in support of a principal in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating a track record of success.
- High emotional intelligence with exceptional interpersonal skills, adept at building strong relationships and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to draft communications in both personal and organizational voices.
- Proven ability to synthesize complex information, get to the heart of the matter, and anticipate needs, showcasing proactive planning and the stamina to keep pace with organizational demands.
- While direct climate knowledge and experience are preferred, a genuine interest in climate issues and their global impact is essential, along with a curiosity to learn and engage with the organization’s initiatives.
- Exceptional project management skills, particularly in managing complex, organization-wide initiatives and effectively handling multiple priorities, action items, and follow-ups.
- Professionalism, poise, and discretion to operate effectively across a wide range of stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality.
- Systems thinking and process improvement expertise, with the judgment to implement necessary changes.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all deliverables.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a strategic focus.
- Experience in finance is needed but does not need to be extensive; candidates should be comfortable working with math and numbers.
COMPENSATION RANGE
$250,000+
Compensation for this position includes a competitive salary commensurate with experience and an excellent package of health and employee benefits.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
We know that innovation thrives on teams where diverse points of view come together to solve hard problems. As such, we explicitly seek people who bring diverse life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, diverse cultures, and diverse work experiences. Please be prepared to share with us how your perspective will bring something unique and valuable to our team.
