Chief of Staff – Family Office (Must come from a FO)
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida (On-site)
About the Role
A confidential Ultra-High-Net-Worth Principal/Chairman is seeking a seasoned Chief of Staff to serve as a senior executive leader, strategic partner and force multiplier overseeing the full operational infrastructure of a complex, multi-asset family office.
This role functions as the operational CEO of the shareholder services division of the family office, responsible for translating the Principal’s vision into disciplined execution across security, aviation, marine operations, estates, residences, staffing, and lifestyle management. The Chief of Staff will lead a highly sophisticated organization of 30–40 professionals, managed through 4–5 senior direct reports, while serving as the central integrator across all operating functions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
The role demands exceptional judgment, discretion, and leadership, and requires the ability to operate simultaneously at a strategic, managerial, and hands-on level.
Role Overview
The Chief of Staff is the Principal’s trusted right hand, accountable for the design, leadership, and continuous improvement of all operational, administrative, and lifestyle functions of the family office.
This executive will:
- Act as the single point of accountability for operational performance
- Establish governance, controls, and reporting frameworks
- Lead cross-functional teams and senior managers
- Anticipate risks and proactively solve complex challenges
- Ensure seamless, secure, and world-class execution of all personal activities
Core Leadership Responsibilities
Enterprise Leadership & Strategic Management
- Serve as a senior executive advisor to the Principal/Chairman on operational strategy, organizational design, and execution.
- Translate the Principal’s priorities into clear operating plans and accountability structures.
- Lead long-range operational planning aligned with investment, lifestyle, and legacy objectives.
- Identify operational risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities; implement scalable solutions and best-in-class practices.
Organizational Leadership & Staff Management
- Directly manage 4–5 senior leaders responsible for functional areas such as:
- Security
- Aviation
- Marine operations
- Estates management
- Personal assistants and household management
- Provide executive oversight for a total staff of 30–40 professionals across multiple locations and disciplines.
- Recruit, develop, performance manage, and retain top-tier talent.
- Establish clear performance expectations, professional standards, and succession planning.
- Foster a culture of accountability, discretion, and service excellence.
Operational Oversight & Governance
- Oversee all day-to-day operations of the family office shareholder services division.
- Implement and maintain operational policies, procedures, and controls.
- Manage budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and service providers.
- Ensure compliance with legal, tax, employment, safety, and regulatory requirements in coordination with internal advisors.
- Develop executive dashboards and reporting to provide visibility into performance and risk.
- Prepare concise executive summaries and operational insights to support decision-making.
Security, Aviation & Marine Operations
- Provide senior oversight of all personal, residential, and travel security protocols.
- Supervise aviation and marine operations, including multiple aircraft and multiple yacht management, crew oversight, maintenance, compliance, and logistics.
- Ensure operational readiness, safety, and confidentiality across all mobility platforms.
Estate, Residence & Lifestyle Management
- Oversee multiple residences, estates, and properties, including an estate manager, house managers, and household teams.
- Ensure exceptional standards across property maintenance, staffing, and guest experience.
- Coordinate complex global travel, events, and personal logistics with precision and discretion.
- Manage high-value assets and ensure proper care, security, insurance, and documentation.
Financial, Investment & Advisory Coordination
- Partner with the CIO, President of Shareholder Services, and external advisors to support investment and estate planning execution.
- Ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, and cost controls across shareholder services operational functions.
Philanthropy & Legacy Initiatives
- Oversee operational execution of philanthropic initiatives and family foundation activities.
- Coordinate with internal and external advisors to ensure compliance, governance, and alignment with long-term legacy goals.
- Support impact-driven projects with disciplined execution and reporting.
Qualifications & Experience
- 12+ years of progressive senior leadership experience in family offices, private wealth environments, UHNW services, or complex private enterprises.
- Demonstrated experience managing large, multidisciplinary teams and senior leaders.
- Proven ability to operate as a strategic executive with hands-on operational credibility.
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
- Exceptional organizational, financial, and analytical capabilities.
- High emotional intelligence and sound judgment in sensitive, high-stakes environments.
- Outstanding communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
- Unquestioned integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
- Service-oriented mindset with a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Compensation & Benefits
- Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Discretionary bonus structure.