Chief of Staff - Urban Ocean Lab

ABOUT URBAN OCEAN LAB

Urban Ocean Lab (UOL) is a coastal climate policy think tank reimagining how coastal cities respond to climate change. Co-founded by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Jean Flemma, UOL connects bold ideas with practical tools—shaping public imagination, informing policy, and equipping local leaders to build just, resilient, and livable coastal futures.

UOL is led by a Managing Director, with the ongoing leadership and thought partnership of its founders. UOL also collaborates closely with a diverse advisory board that provides strategic guidance and sectoral expertise. UOL is an independent operating project of Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit that accelerates impact for sustainability-focused initiatives. UOL operates as a remote-first organization with staff located across the U.S. and an active node in New York City.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an exciting moment to join UOL as it grows its influence at the intersection of coastal resilience, design, and policy innovation. The Chief of Staff will serve as a key strategic and operational partner to the Managing Director, helping to translate UOL’s vision into clear priorities and coordinated action across the organization. This role will oversee internal systems, ensure alignment across programs, and manage special projects that advance UOL’s mission.

The ideal candidate is a systems thinker and natural collaborator with a strong background in climate policy, organizational management, and cross-sector coordination. They will play a central role in strengthening UOL’s operational backbone and helping the organization grow through its next stage of development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• Provide direct thought partnership to the Managing Director on organizational priorities, work planning, and team coordination.
• Support the development and implementation of annual strategic objectives and performance milestones.
• Oversee internal systems to ensure alignment between UOL’s workstreams.

Program Coordination and Special Initiatives

• Coordinate cross-team projects that connect UOL’s research, partnerships, and communications work.
• Lead implementation of new initiatives that emerge, ensuring timely delivery and clear roles.
• Monitor progress toward goals and flag opportunities or challenges requiring leadership attention.

Operations & Culture

• Strengthen internal workflows, project management tools, and team communications systems.
• Help foster an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture that reflects UOL’s values of creativity, curiosity, and equity.
• Partner with Multiplier or consultants on hiring, onboarding, and organizational development processes as needed.

External Coordination & Representation

• Represent UOL in external meetings or partnerships when appropriate.
• Support preparation for advisory board meetings, donor engagements, and strategic convenings.
• Ensure smooth coordination between UOL’s programmatic work and external communications or partnerships.

Who You Are

We know no single candidate will bring every qualification, and we encourage candidates from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Ideal candidates will bring:

• 7+ years of relevant experience in climate, environmental policy, urban planning, or public sector management roles.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects, cross-functional teams, or organizational initiatives.
• Strong understanding of climate resilience, coastal adaptation, or related policy landscapes.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across sectors and with senior leadership.
• Comfort working in a growing organization where roles and systems evolve with the work.

Workplace, Compensation & Application

Workplace: Remote (with a strong preference for candidates based in U.S. coastal cities; UOL maintains a team node in New York City) All employees work from home offices with occasional travel (1-2 times per year) for all-team in-person meetings.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience. UOL offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement savings, along with generous paid leave and a flexible remote-first work environment.

How to Apply: To apply, please visit our Applicant Portal. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received on or before Sunday November 16, 2025. Please include:

• your resume
• a detailed cover letter, sharing why you’re passionate about this role and UOL’s mission, how your experience aligns with the responsibilities.

We respectfully request no follow-up calls or emails.

Multiplier and UOL are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible application process for all candidates. We recognize that the traditional hiring process can create barriers. If we can support your participation in the job application or interview process by providing specific assistance or accommodation, please reach out to accommodations@multiplier.org. Requests for accommodations are confidential and will not impact your candidacy.

Urban Ocean Lab and Multiplier are committed to building an inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, disabled, or from historically underrepresented communities are warmly encouraged to apply.

About Multiplier

Multiplier accelerates impact for innovative projects focused on protecting and fostering a healthy, sustainable, resilient and equitable world. At Multiplier, program teams can turn game-changing ideas into planet-saving impact, and they can do it faster and better than they otherwise could.

Multiplier celebrates diversity and is committed to building teams and partnerships that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Multiplier is also committed to providing an environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment. Multiplier prohibits discrimination in its governance, programs, and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from public assistance, or for any other factor that is not based on merit.