Remote; with a time difference of no more from Brasilia UTC-3
40h weekly
About Us
The Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA) is transforming Latin America by developing a new generation of ethical, innovative, and impact-driven young leaders. Since 2018, we’ve trained over 2,600 youth from 17+ countries—70% from underrepresented backgrounds and 70% women. Our alumni have launched 500+ social impact projects reaching more than 200,000 people.
LALA is now transitioning into a hub-based model, with national hubs operating across Latin America and LALA Global serving as the connective backbone—leading shared strategy, culture, communications, governance, and key initiatives such as the Global Leadership Center.
The Field
LALA is at a critical moment of growth—supporting its first national hub in Brazil, expanding regionally, and deepening its global strategy. We are seeking a Global Chief of Staff to work directly with Co-Executive Director Cristina Umani and the Executive Team to drive organizational alignment, strengthen operational systems, support strategic communication and planning, and manage board and leadership effectiveness.
This is a high-leverage role for someone who can move seamlessly between strategic thinking and hands-on execution. As part of a small and fast-moving team, you’ll wear multiple hats and collaborate with global and local leaders alike. You’ll be trusted with high-level access and sensitive information while serving as a connector across functions, people, and priorities at LALA Global and its hubs. This role replaces our current Head of Strategy and Operations and will be key to sustaining momentum during and after that leadership transition.
The Job
Reporting to Cristina Umani (Co-Executive Director), you will:
1. Strategy & Organizational Alignment
- Support the Co-Executive Director and leadership team in developing and updating strategic plans
- Translate goals into operational systems and workflows across global and local teams
- Drive execution of cross-functional initiatives with clarity and follow-through
- Maintain internal OKR tracking and alignment mechanisms
2. Executive & Board Operations
- Coordinate executive calendars, retreats, and planning cycles (focus on board and committee and project work, not personal calendar management of the exec!)
- Manage board operations: meeting agendas, materials, follow-ups, and communications
- Support executive engagement with board members, committees, and advisors
- Ensure a consistent and high-quality experience across board interactions
3. People, Operations & Internal Systems
- Support the development and maintenance of strong, values-aligned people practices and policies
- Oversee contracting, payment tracking/issuing, and internal compliance systems
- Maintain and update operational procedures and shared knowledge resources
- Assist with audit prep and cross-entity compliance requirements
4. Communications, Brand & Knowledge Management
- Support internal communications and alignment with global brand priorities
- Assist in messaging, writing, and creating slide decks, reports, and board materials
- Translate complex ideas and priorities into engaging content and tools
- Steward inter-hub knowledge flows and institutional memory
Serve as a writing and thought partner to the Co-Executive Director(s) on key documents and presentations
Profile
Experience & Qualifications
- 5+ years in a strategic, operational, or Chief of Staff–style role
- Demonstrated success working directly with executive leadership and/or boards
- Experience managing cross-functional projects and internal systems
- Background in global-local organizations or distributed teams is a strong asset
- Experience working in Latin America or multicultural environments is a plus
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong execution and organizational skills
- Excellent writer and presenter—able to synthesize and communicate clearly
- High emotional intelligence and discretion with sensitive matters
- Able to work independently while building strong collaborative relationships
- Engaging and diplomatic with internal and external stakeholders
- Comfortable with ambiguity, fast iteration, and changing priorities
- Proactive and hands-on—ready to take initiative and get things done
Language
- English: Fluency (required)
- Portuguese and/or Spanish: Highly desirable
Logistics
- Location: Remote (must overlap with Latin American time zones, maximum time difference of 3 hours from Brazil time to ensure sufficient overlap in working hours)
- Start: As soon as possible
- Time Commitment: Full-time
- Duration: Initial 1-year contract, renewable
- Travel: Occasional travel to Brazil and other regions (approx. 2–3 times/year)
- Compensation: Competitive for the Latin American social sector, including health insurance support, paid non-working days, and ad hoc professional development opportunities
Application Process
Interviews
Selected candidates go through multiple interviews, including:
- 1 HR screening;
- At least 2 with the hiring manager;
- 1 with a team member;
- Possibly 1 with an external person (role-dependent);
- Finalists meet the Executive Level.
Interview updates are communicated via email.
Case Study / Assessment
Some candidates may complete a case study after initial interviews. This helps evaluate problem-solving skills and role suitability. Clear instructions and deadlines will be provided if selected. Finalists proceed to Executive Level Interviews.
Our recruitment process takes approximately 2 months.
You’ll receive email updates at every stage.
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Apply now!
To apply, simply email [email protected], indicating which position you are applying for, with an attached CV and Cover Letter stating your interest and why you are applying for the role.
Note: The deadline to apply for this position is July 13th. Any applications received after this date will not be considered for the role.
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