Chief of Staff

Vannin Chief of Staff has been retained by a mission-driven venture capital firm focused on accelerating economic mobility through investments that harness the power of market forces. With a portfolio spanning education, workforce, housing, fintech, healthcare, and government technology, our client is deploying its latest $100M fund to scale impact and expand its ecosystem. Operating with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach — including incubating new ventures in-house — the firm is lean by design and deeply values clarity, speed, and executional excellence.

Chief of Staff Role

The Chief of Staff will work directly with the Founding General Partner. This is a fast-paced, execution-heavy role designed for a high-capacity, analytically strong operator who can bring structure, output, and momentum to a dynamic portfolio of responsibilities.

The role requires a sharp thinker who can move quickly between projects, produce high-quality deliverables, and support both strategic initiatives and day-to-day priorities. This is not a strategy architect or firm-wide “thought partner” position—it is a roll-up-your-sleeves role for someone who thrives on producing results.

This is a full-time, in-person role based in Cambridge, MA. Travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

Execution and Output

• Translate conversations and meetings into polished, executive-ready materials—including decks, memos, proposals, research briefs, and models

• Draft investment memos, company overviews, pitch decks, and strategic documents with minimal supervision

• Conduct research on specific topics (e.g., competitive landscapes, new markets, policy implications) to support both firm-wide and incubated startup decisions

• Build financial models or investment summaries as needed to support diligence or communication with external stakeholders

• Prepare pre-read materials and follow-up documentation for board meetings, investor pitches, speaking engagements, and media opportunities

Executive Operations

• Anticipate and protect the Principal’s time by managing competing inputs and surfacing priorities

• Enable speed and continuity across the Principal’s portfolio—capture context from meetings, convert verbal direction into tangible work products, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks

• Serve as connective tissue across portfolio companies, and external partners, ensuring alignment with the Principal’s intent and momentum behind key initiatives

• Remove friction by owning follow-through, coordinating across parties, and simplifying complex processes so the Principal can stay forward-facing

• Navigate ambiguity and operate with high judgment—escalating when needed and acting independently when possible

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Previous experience as a Chief of Staff or in a similarly demanding execution role—someone who understands the service model of the role and has demonstrated the ability to quickly learn a leader’s preferences, anticipate needs, and produce high-quality outputs without handholding

• 5–10 years of relevant experience across consulting, operating, or investment roles where producing executive-grade work was a core part of the function

• Bachelor's degree

• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality outputs independently and at speed— particularly decks, memos, and models

• Strong analytical skills and research capabilities; able to frame questions, gather data, and synthesize insights quickly

• Exceptional communication and writing ability; comfortable drafting content for high-profile external audiences

• High attention to detail; strong formatting, presentation, and organizational habits

• Resilient and adaptable; thrives in dynamic environments with frequent pivots and urgent needs

• Intellectually curious and quick to learn across new industries, topics, or strategic areas

• Operates with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism

Preferred Attributes

• Prior exposure to VC, founder-led organizations, or policy environments a plus

Compensation & Logistics

• Base Salary: $200,000–$250,000, with flexibility depending on experience

• Bonus: Target of 20%, with flexibility for exceptional candidates

• Location: Based in Cambridge, MA with daily in-person work required

• Travel: Frequent, including support for events, investor meetings, and portfolio engagements

• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and professional development support

What to Expect from Our Selection Process

Seeking a seasoned operator to manage critical business functions, align leadership initiatives, and execute high-impact strategy as well as day-to-day priorities. Our selection process is designed to assess the whole candidate and foster a mutual match for you and us. The process includes:

1. Vannin Chief of Staff Screening: 15 minute phone interview & 30 minute video interview
2. Client Interview 1: Initial screen with team leader
3. Client Interview 2: Take-home project
4. Client Interview 3: 30-minute Zoom with Principal
5. Client Interview 4: In-person session with Principal
6. Potential final follow-up

Our client is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where our employees can thrive and be themselves! We welcome all persons into our community. We embrace the diversity of gender, gender identity or expression, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical and mental disabilities, medical condition, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, marital status, family care or medical leave status, military or veteran status, or perceived membership in any of these groups.