Chief of Staff - CTO

Imagine playing a pivotal role in shaping the technological future of a company dedicated to democratizing education globally. Coursera stands at the forefront of online learning, touching millions of lives daily with world-class content and groundbreaking AI-powered features. We are searching for an exceptional Chief of Staff to partner directly with our Chief Technology Officer, serving as a critical strategic thought partner, operational maestro, and communications linchpin. If you thrive on driving impact, optimizing complex systems, and fostering collaboration across a dynamic, distributed engineering organization, this fully remote, worldwide opportunity might just be your next great adventure.

Overview

As the Chief of Staff to the CTO, you will become an indispensable force multiplier, enabling our technology leadership to operate with peak efficiency and strategic clarity. Coursera, a B Corp and public benefit corporation, empowers 205 million learners with skills for a rapidly evolving world, powered by innovative solutions like generative AI. This role is crucial for orchestrating our ambitious technological roadmap, ensuring seamless execution, and championing our culture of innovation. You'll work at the heart of our global, fully remote engineering organization, helping to drive initiatives that bring world-class learning to every corner of the planet.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Orchestration: Assisting the CTO in developing, refining, and communicating the technology strategy and roadmap. This includes working on OKRs, annual planning cycles, and key strategic initiatives for the entire engineering organization.
Operational Excellence: Streamlining critical processes and workflows to enhance efficiency across the technology department. You will manage crucial projects, track progress against strategic goals, and ensure clear accountability.
Communication Catalyst: Crafting compelling internal and external communications, presentations, and reports for various stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, executive leadership, partners, and the wider tech team. You will facilitate effective executive meetings and offsites.
Cross-Functional Connector: Bridging communication and collaboration gaps between the engineering organization and other critical functions like Product, Marketing, and Operations. You will ensure alignment and drive integrated efforts on strategic priorities.
Special Project Leadership: Spearheading high-priority, cross-functional initiatives for the CTO, often involving complex problem-solving and rapid execution to address pressing business needs.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly capable individual who embodies leadership and strategic thinking. Your profile likely includes:

Proven Experience: At least five years in a Chief of Staff, Strategic Operations, or similar role supporting a senior technology executive, ideally within a fast-paced, global tech company.
Strategic Acumen: Demonstrated ability to understand complex business and technical challenges, synthesize information, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
Exceptional Communicator: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical and business concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
Operational Wizardry: A strong track record in project management, process improvement, and driving operational efficiencies within a large organization.
Technical Fluency: Comfortable engaging in technical discussions and understanding the software development lifecycle, platform architecture, and modern engineering practices.
Interpersonal Dexterity: High emotional intelligence, adept at building trust, influencing without direct authority, and navigating complex organizational dynamics.
Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; a Master's degree is a plus.

What You'll Gain

Joining Coursera as Chief of Staff to the CTO offers a unique opportunity to:

Drive Global Impact: Directly contribute to a mission-driven company that is transforming lives through education, reaching millions of learners worldwide.
Accelerate Your Growth: Work alongside a visionary CTO and senior leaders, gaining unparalleled exposure to strategic decision-making and large-scale technological innovation.
Shape the Future of Learning: Be at the forefront of applying cutting-edge technologies, including generative AI, to enhance and personalize the learning experience.
Thrive in a Dynamic Culture: Immerse yourself in a collaborative, intellectually curious, and fully remote environment where continuous learning is celebrated.
Influence Wide-Ranging Initiatives: Take on diverse, high-visibility projects that span organizational boundaries and truly move the needle for the company.