Chief of Staff, Data | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Jobicy

Job Description

Job Overview:

We are looking for a Chief of Staff to join our team and serve as a strategic integrator for the Chief Data Officer, operating across a major function or business domain to connect strategy and execution. This role ensures that the Data organization scales effectively, translating company strategy into a cohesive operating system that drives alignment, accountability, and results across multiple teams.

At Coursera, we’re evolving how we operate to enable sustained growth and agility. The Chief of Staff plays a central role in that evolution, designing and improving the frameworks that underpin performance, including planning, governance, decision-making, and resource allocation. Operating at the intersection of strategy and operations, this role enables the executive and leadership team to deliver Coursera’s goals with greater clarity, speed, and discipline.

Objectives of this role: 

• Translate company strategy into functional operating systems that connect priorities, plans, and execution across teams
• Drive cross-functional alignment within and adjacent to the Data organization, ensuring shared accountability for results
• Design and evolve frameworks that bring structure, discipline, and visibility to planning, goal-setting, and performance tracking
• Enable high-quality decision-making through data, narratives, and governance models that clarify tradeoffs and resource allocation
• Ensure organizational readiness and adaptability, balancing scale with speed as Coursera continues to evolve
• Strengthen the leadership system within the Data org, increasing focus, follow-through, and clarity across teams

Responsibilities:

• Manage and continuously improve the CDO Org operating rhythm, including timely review and action of key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Partner with executive-enabling function - People, Finance, Administration - to drive CDO’s strategic change and improvement initiatives org-wide
• Drive the strategic and operational planning system for the CDO organization, defining and continuously improving processes that enable the CDO to effectively and efficiently manage their large team with ongoing visibility into results and impact
• Oversee a portfolio of strategic projects, structuring and driving to completion complex, ambiguous initiatives, steering large, cross-functional projects, and building consensus with senior leadership across the organization
• Lead employee engagement strategy, in collaboration with People Business Partner, crafting initiatives that foster a positive, inclusive, and dynamic work environment. Plan and execute internal communications within the team, ensuring that all team members are informed, aligned, and motivated
• Create cross-functional connections between the principal’s org and adjacent functions to accelerate decision-making and remove friction
• Facilitate strategic meetings, ensuring alignment and clarity on objectives, and drive follow-through on action items. Represent the CDO in certain cross-functional meetings and projects, advocating for their priorities and ensuring alignment with overall company strategy
• Build and develop relationships with the CDO’s direct reports and other individuals in critical roles - providing an unbiased ear - to understand the need and opportunities in existing ways of working and helping define new strategies to address

Required Qualifications:

• 12-15 years in a business or executive management role
• In-depth experience driving results in a Data organization
• Extremely versatile, dedicated to efficient productivity
• Experience defining, planning, and driving top-level strategic initiatives
• Excellent communicator in written and verbal form
• Demonstrated experience organizing and directing multiple teams and departments
• Proven track record of data-driven approach to complex decision-making

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or similar field
• Experience with data analysis
• Experience with budget management
• Consulting experience with a focus on operations management
• Proven success in a project management role
• Nimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions
• Strong project reporting skills, with a focus on interdepartmental communication

Expert Career Tips for Chief of Staff, Data Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Chief of Staff, Data, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Chief of Staff, Data requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Global and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Global, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Chief of Staff, Data position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.