Chief of Staff - CTO
Job description
About the role
In the position of Chief of Staff to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will serve as a key strategic ally, ensuring that the overarching vision of the company aligns seamlessly with the day-to-day technical operations. This role is pivotal in crafting the governance structures and operational frameworks necessary for the engineering division to scale effectively, while also promoting cross-departmental collaboration and accountability.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Oversee the operational cadence of the CTO's office, which includes managing key performance indicator (KPI) assessments and tracking overall performance metrics.
- Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, and Administrative teams to spearhead initiatives aimed at organizational transformation.
- Develop and enhance strategic planning frameworks that empower the CTO to oversee extensive operations with clarity and insight.
- Manage intricate, cross-departmental projects from their initial stages through to successful completion.
- Direct internal communication strategies and initiatives to boost employee engagement, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
- Facilitate critical meetings and act as a representative for the CTO in cross-functional discussions to alleviate operational challenges.
- Cultivate relationships with the CTO's direct reports to pinpoint areas for process enhancement and organizational requirements.
- Analyze and interpret data to inform decision-making processes and drive strategic initiatives.
- Implement best practices for project management and operational efficiency across the engineering organization.
- Lead efforts to ensure that the engineering team is aligned with the company's strategic goals and objectives.
- Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to inform strategic planning and operational improvements.
- Act as a liaison between the CTO and other executive leaders to ensure alignment on key initiatives and projects.
Requirements
- A minimum of 12 to 15 years of experience in senior executive or business management roles, preferably within a technology or engineering context.
- Extensive experience in delivering measurable results within an engineering-focused organization.
- Proven track record of defining and implementing high-level strategic initiatives that drive organizational success.
- Experience in organizing and managing multiple departments effectively.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a talent for conveying complex ideas clearly.
- Demonstrated proficiency in employing data-driven approaches to solve intricate problems.
- Highly adaptable, with a strong emphasis on enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
Nice to have
- An advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a comparable qualification.
- A background in operations management consulting, providing insights into best practices and methodologies.
- Experience in project management, including budget oversight and data analysis capabilities.
- A knack for developing innovative solutions and tracking interdepartmental progress effectively.
- Familiarity with the latest technologies and trends in the education and technology sectors.
Skills & tools
- Expertise in strategic planning and operational design.
- Proficient in data analysis and performance measurement techniques.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Competence in budget management and financial oversight.
- Excellent executive communication skills, capable of engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
Practical notes
- US Zone 1 (Bay Area): $188,480 - $235,600
- US Zone 2 (NYC and Seattle Metro): $180,120 - $225,150
- US Zone 3 (includes CA, WA, NY, NJ, CO, CT, DC, GA, IL, MA, MD, OR, RI, TX, VA): $167,200 - $209,000
- US Zone 4 (covers AK, AZ, DE, FL, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NV, NH, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, UT, VT, WI): $155,420 - $194,275
In addition to salary, total rewards encompass health benefits, performance bonuses, and restricted stock units (RSUs). The application period remains open until August 28, 2026, though this may be subject to change based on business requirements. Interested candidates should apply exclusively through the official careers page. Coursera is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
About the company
Coursera was launched in 2012 by Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller with a mission to provide universal access to world-class learning. Today, it is one of the largest online learning platforms in the world, with 197 million registered learners as of December 31, 2025.