About Prevention Institute

Prevention Institute is a national nonprofit organization focused on advancing equitable health, safety, and wellbeing through upstream prevention and community-driven solutions. Since 1997, the organization has partnered with communities, public health agencies, advocates, and governments to address structural inequities and improve community conditions that shape health outcomes.

Its work spans health equity, racial justice, mental health and wellbeing, community resilience, safety, substance misuse prevention, and healthy built environments through community-centered practice, policy transformation, and systems change initiatives.

The Role

Prevention Institute is seeking an experienced and systems-minded Chief of Staff to work closely with the Executive Director and newly formed Executive Team to strengthen organizational alignment, operational effectiveness, and strategic execution across the organization.

This leadership role combines strategic planning, organizational development, finance oversight, operational leadership, and cross-functional coordination to ensure the organization’s priorities are effectively implemented and well-supported internally. The Chief of Staff will help translate organizational vision into action while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across Prevention Institute’s core functions.

The position is based in Oakland, California, within a hybrid work environment requiring in-office work two days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Organizational Effectiveness

• Strengthen alignment around Prevention Institute’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities
• Ensure cohesion across practice, policy, operations, partnerships, and finance functions
• Support executive decision-making through planning, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Build organizational systems that improve accountability, collaboration, and operational effectiveness
• Supervise senior staff while providing coaching and cross-functional leadership support

Operations, Finance, and Risk Management

• Provide leadership across operations, HR, and administrative functions
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, audits, contracts, and financial reporting
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and funder compliance
• Lead risk identification and mitigation efforts aligned with organizational frameworks
• Strengthen operational systems, infrastructure, and organizational capacity

Executive and Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Executive Team contributing to strategic planning and organizational leadership
• Support Board reporting and Personnel Committee coordination
• Step in for the Executive Director during extended absences when required
• Help strengthen leadership-level accountability and organizational decision-making
• Support organizational growth, systems improvements, and change management initiatives

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of equity-centered leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit organizations
• At least 5 years of supervisory and team leadership experience
• Strong expertise in nonprofit finance, operations, compliance, audits, and HR management
• Proven ability to strengthen organizational systems and operational effectiveness
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex organizational priorities
• Excellent project management, communication, and strategic planning skills
• Commitment to equity, racial justice, community transformation, and prevention-focused work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within professional services or mission-driven organizations
• Familiarity with movement-based organizations and equity-centered operational practices
• Experience leading organizational growth, systems scaling, or infrastructure improvements
• Knowledge of supervision systems, organizational culture development, and performance management
• Experience supporting technology infrastructure and operational modernization initiatives

What They Offer

• Salary range of $193,000 to $225,000 annually
• Hybrid work environment with flexible scheduling
• Fully covered employee medical insurance premiums
• Dental coverage and wellness reimbursement benefits
• Retirement contributions including guaranteed employer contributions
• Paid vacation, holidays, and collective organization-wide closure periods
• Flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits
• Opportunity to help shape strategic leadership within a nationally recognized equity-focused nonprofit

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@preventioninstitute.org with “Chief of Staff” included in the subject line.

Priority applications are due by June 12, 2026, with a final application deadline of June 30, 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.