VP, Operations & Chief of Staff

About Niche

Niche is the leader in school search. Our mission is to make researching and enrolling in schools easy, transparent, and free. With in-depth profiles on every school and college in America, 140 million reviews and ratings, and powerful search tools, we help millions of people find the right school for them. We also help thousands of schools recruit more best-fit students, by highlighting what makes them great and making it easier to visit and apply.

Niche is all about finding where you belong, and that mission inspires how we operate every day. We want Niche to be a place where people truly enjoy working and can thrive professionally.

About The Role

As the VP, Operations & Chief of Staff,  you will be a critical partner to the CEO and executive leadership team, driving strategic initiatives, enabling cross-functional alignment, and ensuring execution across the company. You will operate at both strategic and tactical levels to propel the company forward during a pivotal phase of growth and innovation.

What You Will Do

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Collaborate with the CEO and senior leaders to establish and execute a comprehensive strategic roadmap aligned with company goals. Manage the strategic planning calendar and ensure accountability through OKRs and key business processes.
• Operational Leadership: Drive operational excellence through leadership meetings, quarterly planning, and business reviews. Lead the Internal Operations team in monitoring performance and recommending changes to stay on track.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Serve as the connective tissue across departments - removing roadblocks and ensuring alignment and progress on top priorities.
• Special Projects & Corporate Development: Ensure effective execution of high-impact, CEO-driven & cross functional  initiatives such as go-to-market strategies, investor updates, strategic partnerships, and M&A activity. Lead the post-transaction integration process when needed.
• Data-Driven Insights: Define KPIs and deliver actionable insights to support decision-making and drive measurable results.
• Business Case Development: Establish a standardized methodology to evaluate new initiatives, including scorecards, prioritization frameworks, and risk assessments, in close collaboration with Finance.
• Customer & Investor Engagement: Represent the CEO in key meetings with customers, investors, and partners. Develop compelling materials for board meetings, investor communications, and public presentations.
• Organizational Effectiveness:  Ensure on-sites/off-sites are in sync with our operational rhythms, lead business reviews, and partner closely with the Chief People Officer to ensure an aligned and high performing leadership team.

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in Chief of Staff, strategy, operations, or leadership roles, ideally within high-growth companies or top-tier consulting firms
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives and deliver impactful outcomes
• Proven success managing strategic planning for organizations of 300+ employees, with the ability to translate high-level objectives into actionable plans
• Experience in corporate transactions such as acquisitions, fundraising, or integrations, with a solid understanding of financial drivers and P&L management
• Strong analytical skills with experience in business case development, investment analysis, and performance benchmarking
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across diverse teams
• Organizational prowess with the ability to prioritize competing demands and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Trusted advisor mindset—discreet, reliable, and able to build credibility with executive leadership
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or relevant advanced degree preferred

Compensation 

Our national target base salary range is $200,000 - $250,000, plus participation in our Annual Bonus and Stock Option Program. Base compensation will be commensurate with experience and skills.

At Niche, our Total Rewards Philosophy is centered around creating a workplace environment that attracts, motivates, and retains top talent by providing a comprehensive and competitive rewards package.  This philosophy is built on the principles of performance-based compensation, best-in-class benefits and work-life balance, and employee well-being.

Why Niche?

• We are a fully flexible workforce empowering our employees to choose to work remotely, in our Pittsburgh office or whatever combination suits you
• Full time, salaried position with competitive compensation in a fast-growing company
• Best-in-class 100% paid employee health plan, including vision and dental and supplemental coverage
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy
• Stipend that allows you to build your work from home office in a style and function that suits your personal preferences
• Parental leave for all employees (12 weeks fully paid) in addition to short term disability for birthing parents
• Meaningful 401(k) with employer match
• Your ideas and work will make an immediate impact on our company and millions of users
• You will join a team that cares about you, our mission, our work - and celebrates our wins together!

Niche will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future for this opening.  

We are currently hiring in states where we currently have employees: AZ, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, DC, WV.

Candidates only.  No recruiters or agencies, please. Sorry, we do not offer relocation assistance.

Niche is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. Therefore, we provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

All interviews are being held remotely. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.