Role: Chief of Staff
Contract Type: Volunteer
Interview: October 2025
Duration 12 Months
Who we are & What do we believe?
Arcadia is a non-profit, international non-governmental organisation with a global presence, comprising 238 members from all seven continents. Founded and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Arcadia is dedicated to two core missions:
Our primary mission is to make university-level education accessible to everyone, irrespective of financial, social, geographical, or political barriers. We strive for academic excellence and aim to diminish the limitations to education, ensuring that high-quality education is available to all. Our secondary mission is to foster a global appreciation and support for art. By addressing contemporary global issues through art in our exhibitions, and highlighting significant art events worldwide, we aim to cultivate a deep-seated art consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a greater appreciation for art in the modern world.
At Arcadia, our academic team consists of over 70 international researchers who contribute to Higher Education-level academic articles across a myriad of disciplines. Our commitment to sharing knowledge without any charges or subscriptions ensures that everyone, everywhere, can benefit from our collective expertise. We believe in the transformative power of education and art to create a better, more enlightened world, a modern utopia.
Wherever you are, whoever you are !
We believe that the internet is one of the greatest resources humanity has achieved, giving us the opportunity to exceed our physical boundaries. Arcadia welcomes all; regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. We embrace diversity and as an international NGO with more than 79 different nationalities, our aim is to support diversity within our teams and allow people all around the world to have the opportunity to join and contribute and grow in their fields of interest.
About the Position
Arcadia is seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Chief of Staff (CoS) to play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic vision of the organisation. As the Chief of Staff, you will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to ensure that Arcadia’s goals are realised effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with the mission of advancing education, art, and social impact. You will be a trusted advisor to the CEO, streamlining organisational priorities, facilitating decision-making, and enhancing operational efficiency across all departments.This role will also involve leading key initiatives that support the seamless execution of organisational strategies, managing cross-functional projects, and ensuring that all teams are aligned with Arcadia’s overarching mission. You will act as a conduit between leadership, staff, and external partners, ensuring that communication flows smoothly and priorities are met with the highest level of professionalism. Additionally, the CoS will be instrumental in managing the executive’s time and resources, ensuring that the CEO’s vision is supported by a well-organised, high-performing team.
This is a unique opportunity to take on a strategic leadership role within a prominent international non-profit organisation, positioning yourself as a key driver of Arcadia’s mission and long-term goals. The Chief of Staff will bring their leadership acumen, organisational expertise, and passion for impact to support Arcadia’s dynamic, global operations.
Key Responsibilities
As the Chief of Staff, you will play an integral role in supporting the CEO and the executive team in driving organisational effectiveness and achieving long-term success. Your responsibilities will include:
Strategic Support and Leadership:
- Work directly with the CEO to ensure that strategic goals and initiatives are executed in an efficient and impactful manner. Serve as the CEO’s right hand in managing the weekly operations, streamlining decision-making processes, and keeping leadership aligned with organisational priorities.
Organisational Alignment and Coordination:
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and ensure that key projects and initiatives are aligned with the strategic goals of Arcadia. Support senior leadership in maintaining focus on key priorities, managing resources, and driving organisational performance.
Project and Change Management:
- Oversee the coordination and implementation of key initiatives across departments, ensuring that projects are executed on time, within scope, and aligned with organisational objectives. Lead change management efforts to enhance operational effectiveness and foster a culture of innovation and agility.
Executive Communication and Reporting:
- Assist in preparing executive reports, presentations, and communications to the board of directors, internal teams, and external stakeholders. Ensure that the CEO’s communication with both internal and external stakeholders is clear, consistent, and aligned with Arcadia’s vision.
Skills and Competencies Required
Communication and Relationship Management:
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, both internally and externally. Expertise in fostering strong relationships across teams and departments, ensuring alignment on objectives and goals.
Adaptability and Resilience:
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing change with agility while keeping focus on organisational objectives. Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and remain resilient under pressure.
Leadership and Strategic Thinking:
- Extensive experience in organisational leadership, ideally within a non-profit or mission-driven environment, with proven ability to align operational priorities with strategic objectives. Ability to think strategically and contribute to the overall success of the organisation while maintaining operational efficiency.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Communications, or a related field is required. Advanced training in leadership, organisational management, or executive communication is highly desirable.
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in a senior management or leadership position, with at least 5 years dedicated to internal communication, project coordination, or operations management. Experience in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment such as non-profits, global organisations, or similar mission-driven entities is preferred.
- A collaborative and empathetic leadership style, with the ability to foster a culture of inclusion, trust, and performance excellence. Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills to support the needs of the CEO and the broader organisation.
- Proven ability to manage complex internal communications between senior leadership teams and departments. Ability to foster strong relationships, build trust, and facilitate effective dialogue across the organisation.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a keen ability to present complex information clearly and succinctly. Including data collection, process improvement, and the ability to distill and synthesise information to inform high-level decision-making.
- A solution-focused mindset with the ability to problem-solve efficiently and maintain composure in demanding situations.
- Fluency in English (CEFR C1) is required. French and German are not mandatory but welcomed.
- Comfortable with part-time commitment, contributing 8–10 hours (20%) per week, with availability for remote work and flexibility in selecting your own working hours.
- A motivational and empathetic leadership style, with a commitment to fostering inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. Strong interpersonal skills to inspire trust and credibility within the organization.
What We Offer
- An online certificate with an international serial number after completing one year at Arcadia.
- Access to Arcadia's Executive Education Certificate Program, which includes six courses totaling 64 hours, specifically tailored for your role, with international certification.
- Access to a global network of seasoned professionals and consultants, offering tailored support to help you grow, excel, and advance in your area of expertise.
- We promise you a green world, a new feature. Join a fully net-zero carbon emission organisation committed to supporting a greener world.
- Flexible working hours based on project deadlines. You must be available to work 8-10 hours per week, with the flexibility to choose your working hours.
- The chance to be part of our volunteer organisation, contributing to Arcadia's humanitarian mission to provide education for all.
- Possibility of contract renewal with advancement at your field at the end of your 1 year according to evaluation of the Arcadia Board.
- The opportunity to work remotely, providing flexibility and the ability to balance your work with other commitments.
- The chance to work with a diverse team of individuals from around the world, supporting the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Being credited with your name, picture and also being credited in the '' Team '' section.
- Training sessions from our valuable and well-experienced team members.
- Being part of our volunteer-based organisation, and the satisfaction of contributing and doing good to the world.
Arcadia is an equal opportunity provider. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, familial status and other legally protected characteristics.