About this opportunity
Key to Change lists this Director of Operations & Chief of Staff opportunity in renton, Washington. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
The Director of Operations & Chief of Staff is a senior leading team member and functions as the organization’s second-in-command. This role is fit for a seasoned professional who thrives in a fast-moving, mission-driven environment. They should enjoy building systems, supporting people, solving problems, and bringing structure and accountability into an ambitious workplace.
Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Operations & Chief of Staff oversees all organizational operations, including human resources, payroll coordination, administrative systems, and project management, and staff accountability. This role supervises approximately 10 staff members and collaborates closely with leadership across programming, operations, development, and administration. The Director of Operations & Chief of Staff translates organizational vision into effective execution. The ideal candidate for this role is both highly relational and operationally strong: someone who leads with warmth, professionalism, emotional intelligence, excellent judgment, and accountability.
This role is fully onsite in Renton, Washington. Remote work is not available for this position.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Operations
Lead and oversee day-to-day organizational operations across departments
Develop, implement, and refine systems, workflows, and operational infrastructure that support organizational growth and sustainability
Champion the integration of standardized project management practices and tools
Establish task management systems that communicate progress, priorities, deadlines, and accountability
Coordinate cross-functional communication between departments and leadership
Lead project status meetings with staff and leadership
Support management of project scope, scheduling, timelines, and operational priorities
Identify operational inefficiencies and proactively implement improvements
Help cultivate a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, accountability, and collaboration
Ensure organizational operations remain aligned with policies, procedures, and strategic priorities
Support operational planning for performances, events, student programming, and organizational initiatives
Executive Partnership & Chief of Staff
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director
Help prioritize organizational initiatives and manage competing demands
Manage the Executive Director’s calendar, scheduling, and meeting coordination
Assist with executive communications and inbox management
Help prepare board materials, presentations, reports, and meeting agendas
Attend quarterly board meetings and support board coordination logistics
Track leadership action items and organizational follow-through
Reduce operational burdens on the Executive Director to allow greater focus on fundraising, strategic growth, external partnerships, artistic leadership, and teaching
Human Resources & Staff Management
Oversee employee onboarding, personnel records, and HR documentation
Administer payroll coordination, benefits enrollment, and employee compensation systems
Track attendance, scheduling, and employee compliance matters
Identify performance concerns, attendance issues, accommodations, and potential need for disciplinary action or investigation
Address employee questions, concerns, and operational needs with professionalism and discretion
Support hiring processes, onboarding, and future organizational recruitment efforts
Assist with future national searches for instructional and leadership positions
Help mentor and support staff development across the organization
Partner closely with the Executive Director to ensure organizational operations remain compliant with federal, state, and organizational policies
Finance & Administrative Oversight
Coordinate bookkeeping processes and collaborate with external accountants to reconcile financial records
Monitor operational expenses and support budget oversight
Oversee office systems, records management, and administrative infrastructure
Maintain organized physical and digital filing systems
Coordinate operational logistics for meetings, performances, and events
Ensure office inventory and operational materials remain stocked and organized
Facilitate employee reimbursement processes and administrative documentation
Support vendor relationships and operational logistics
Who You Are
You are a highly organized and emotionally-intelligent operational leader who enjoys helping mission-driven organizations thrive.
You are proactive, dependable, resourceful, and solutions-oriented. You enjoy creating structure, improving systems, mentoring younger professionals, and helping teams operate at a high level. You are calm under pressure and capable of balancing multiple priorities without losing attention to detail.
You understand how to hold people accountable professionally while also building trust and maintaining positive working relationships. You are comfortable partnering closely with an ambitious Executive Director and helping transform big-picture vision into sustainable operational execution.
Most importantly, you care deeply about young people and believe in the transformative power of arts education.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience) in Business Management (or a related field)
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in operations, administration, nonprofit management, startup environments, educational organizations, or related fields
Demonstrated success building systems and improving organizational processes
Experience supervising staff and supporting team accountability
Experience with HR operations, payroll coordination, onboarding, and personnel management
Strong project management and organizational leadership skills
High level of professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong judgment and problem-solving ability
Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation for local business errands, meetings, events, and operational support
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment
Proficiency with Google Workspace and operational software systems
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree (or equivalent work experience) in related field or a management professional certification
Experience working in small (less than 20 people) nonprofit organizations, arts organizations, educational settings, or startup environments
Experience directly supporting senior executives or founders
Experience with financial administration software and bookkeeping coordination, such as QuickBooks
Experience with project management platforms, such as Asana or Trello
Experience with CRM platforms, such as Salesforce
Familiarity with payroll and HR systems, such as ADP
Appreciation for music education, youth development, or the arts
Knowledge of / experience working in the field of classical music
The Director of Operations & Chief of Staff is a full-time position with an annual salary of $82,000. Key to Change offers a competitive nonprofit benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401k matching, paid holidays and time off, and sponsorship of professional development opportunities.
Workplace & Schedule
This is a fully onsite position in Renton, WA, and is generally scheduled Monday through Friday. Some evening and weekend availability is required throughout the year for performances, events, board meetings, and organizational activities.
Travel & Physical Requirements
This role is primarily based onsite in Renton, Washington and includes routine local travel to support organizational operations, meetings, performances, events, banking, supply runs, and other business-related responsibilities. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable personal transportation. Mileage reimbursement is available for approved business-related travel.
The work environment is a fast-paced, youth-centered arts organization with varying activity and noise levels throughout the day. While much of the work occurs in an office setting, the position also requires regular interaction with students, families, staff, artists, donors, and community partners during rehearsals, lessons, performances, meetings, and events.
The primary work siteis only accessible by stairs. There is no elevator access. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Application Deadline
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references (names, phone numbers, and emails) addressed to Dr. Quinton Morris, Executive Director & Founder at by May 27, 2026. Project management, operations-related materials, or writing samples are optional, but encouraged. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by May 27, 2026. Interviews may begin before the application deadline.
Our Commitment
Key to Change Studio welcomes people of all experiences, backgrounds, and thoughts, as this allows us to better connect with our students and families. Key to Change recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
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Worksite address
renton, WA, 98056, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.