Chief of Staff (Portfolio)
Members of the Downing Capital Group team are investor-entrepreneurs. We are a new breed of investment firm: our team members are business builders, not merely capital providers. Our unique model turns conventional private equity and VC on its head: we begin with our own business ideas, recruit management teams to execute them, and then capitalize on these ventures. The vast majority of the firm’s capital will be invested in ideas incubated internally.
We are seeking a Chief of Staff to support one of our portfolio companies’ CEOs and founding team members. In this role, you will be leading cross-functional teams, guiding critical business initiatives, and facilitating communication across internal and external stakeholders.
How you’ll make an impact:
Communication & Stakeholder Management:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, fostering strong relationships to facilitate collaboration and information sharing.
- Prepare and present reports, briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring that complex information is communicated clearly and concisely.
Strategic Execution & Leadership:
- Lead the execution of key initiatives and projects, providing direction and oversight to ensure they are delivered on time and within budget.
- Facilitate strategic planning sessions and workshops, guiding leadership through the process of setting priorities and defining actionable steps.
- Develop and mentor team members, cultivating leadership skills and building a pipeline of talent to support future organizational growth and success.
Operational Efficiency & Problem-Solving:
- Assess and streamline organizational processes to enhance operational efficiency, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices.
- Develop and implement performance metrics to monitor operational effectiveness, ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs) are met and reported regularly.
- Drive initiatives that promote resource optimization, ensuring that teams have the necessary tools, processes, and support to achieve their goals.
Team Development & Culture:
- Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture by promoting core values, encouraging collaboration, and recognizing team contributions.
- Promote a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and recognizing achievements within teams.
Special Projects & Decision-Making:
- Utilize data-driven analysis and market research to inform decision-making processes, providing insights that guide project direction and strategic initiatives.
- Prepare and present reports on project status, outcomes, and lessons learned to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability.
What you’ll bring to the table:
- Solid years of experience at a startup, private equity, hedge fund, or venture capital firm with a proven track record of success in strategic roles.
- Outstanding academic credentials with a bachelor's or master’s/MBA degree.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
- Proven ability to interact effectively with C-Suite executives and senior management, demonstrating strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Executor/entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive approach to solving problems.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, with a strong understanding of investment processes, portfolio management, and market dynamics.
- Highly organized and structured with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and other relevant software tools.
- A proactive and adaptable attitude in a dynamic work environment with a commitment to continuous improvement.