Chief of Staff

Summary

Join UpGuard as a Chief of Staff and play a pivotal role in driving strategic execution, internal communication, and company-wide events. Partner closely with the CEO and COO, prioritizing initiatives, coordinating cross-functional efforts, and ensuring smooth execution across the leadership team. Own the internal communication strategy, crafting compelling updates and ensuring consistent messaging. Plan and execute key internal events, managing vendors, budgets, and logistics. Act as a trusted advisor, challenging assumptions and leading special projects. This is a 9-month parental leave cover with the possibility of extension. The ideal candidate possesses 5+ years of experience in a similar role, exceptional communication skills, and a systems-thinking approach. Adeptness in using AI tools is a plus.

Requirements

• 5+ years in roles such as Chief of Staff, Internal Communications Lead, Program Manager, or similar
• Proven experience designing and executing high-impact events (virtual or in-person)
• Exceptional written communication skills; you can simplify complexity, bring clarity to chaos, and write with both precision and voice
• A systems thinker who thrives on coordination, process, and cross-functional problem-solving
• You are known for your exceptional use of project management and collaboration tools such as Asana, to drive delivery and accountability
• Adept at using AI tools to accelerate research, enhance communication, and streamline execution. You know how to get leverage from technology to move faster and work smarter
• Confident working with executives and comfortable handling sensitive information
• Detail-oriented, action-biased, action-biased, and energized by making things happen

Responsibilities

• Act as a force multiplier for the CEO; prioritize initiatives, structure decisions, and follow through on key projects
• Coordinate cross-functional priorities and ensure smooth execution across the leadership team
• Maintain visibility into what’s happening across the company, surfacing risks, blockers, and wins
• Drive company OKRs and key operating rhythms so we stay accountable and focused
• Own the internal communication strategy; drive clarity, alignment, and transparency across the company
• Write or edit critical company-wide updates, scripts for All Hands, and internal memos
• Partner with team leads to ensure consistent messaging and effective information flow
• Plan and execute our most important internal events including offsites, virtual experiences, team kickoffs, and milestone celebrations
• Ensure each event aligns with our company values and creates moments that strengthen connection and engagement
• Manage vendors, budgets, timelines, and logistics with precision and creativity
• Attend executive meetings, drive follow-ups, and ensure accountability
• Act as a sounding board to the COO, CEO and leadership team. Challenge assumptions, test ideas, and keep the broader company in mind
• Lead special projects that don’t have a clear owner but matter to the business

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a high-growth or distributed tech company with 250+ people
• Executed company-wide AI strategies and enablement programs
• Built and implemented agentic workflows

Benefits

• Monthly Lifestyle subsidy: use this for financial, physical and mental wellbeing
• WFH set-up allowance: to ensure you have the right environment to work in, we will help you get set-up within your first 3 months at UpGuard
• $1500 USD annual Learning & Development allowance: to support your career development all team members will be able to expense development opportunities against this allowance
• Generous Annual Leave/PTO allowances: time to recharge your batteries
• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave: irrespective of parenting role
• Personal Leave allowance: this includes sick & carer’s leave
• Fully remote working environment: whilst we have physical offices in Sydney & Hobart, we do not mandate compulsory attendance
• Top spec hardware: all team members will be provided with top-spec laptops for their role
• Generative AI subsidy: UpGuard provides paid subscriptions for all team members to access generative AI tools to support their work