Chief of Staff to the CEO

About the role

The Mozilla Foundation is seeking a strategic partner to act as Chief of Staff to its CEO. This is a high-impact, remote-based position for a seasoned professional who thrives on operational excellence and high-level organisational management. It is not a traditional administrative assistant role but a right-hand position to executive leadership, bridging long-term vision and daily execution.

The Foundation sits at the intersection of public interest and technological innovation, so the role suits someone comfortable in complex, mission-driven environments. The Chief of Staff acts as a central point of contact for the executive leadership team, handles highly confidential data and high-stakes projects, and can act as a proxy for the CEO, influencing stakeholders without direct line management authority.

Key responsibilities

• Amplify the CEO's effectiveness by managing the flow of information to the office of the CEO and tracking and prioritising strategic initiatives.
• Protect the CEO's time and ensure the issues on their desk are the most critical.
• Translate the CEO's vision into tangible, measurable outcomes through a close partnership.
• Serve as a key interface for the executive leadership team, facilitating communication and problem-solving.
• Prepare briefings, reports and strategic presentations for high-stakes meetings and board interactions.
• Support the Investment Committee by keeping its deliberations focused on the most pertinent strategic questions.
• Manage cross-functional alignment so departments move in tandem with the foundation's technological and advocacy goals.

Required profile

• Significant experience at the executive or CEO-support level; the role is not for early-career candidates.
• Demonstrable experience leading high-stakes projects in demanding environments.
• Exceptional judgment when managing sensitive information and executive communications.
• Ability to exercise influence and negotiate consensus across diverse teams.
• Strong commitment to the Mozilla Foundation's mission of keeping the internet open and accessible.

Required skills

• Outstanding communication skills, able to explain complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• Strategic foresight, stakeholder management and high-level corporate governance.

The role is remote and open to South African professionals, offering the chance to take part in global tech policy and non-profit governance. The skills are highly transferable to the South African private and NGO sectors, where such roles often sit at senior management or executive level.