Vannin Chief of Staff has been retained by a regulated utility company with 30 years of experience serving over 50,000 customers across Arizona. They own and operate 18 regulated water and sewer utilities statewide in six different Arizona counties, with rates approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. In November 2024, they significantly expanded their operations through a major acquisition that quadrupled the company size overnight. As they consolidate operations, they're building a strong executive team to support their ambitious growth plans. With the backing of private equity investment, our client is positioned for both internal organic growth and strategic external expansion. They are committed to providing excellent service to their customers while being good stewards for the state of Arizona, their employees, and vendors. Their reputation for reliability and fulfilling commitments is central to their success and future growth.

Chief of Staff Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic, technically strong Chief of Staff to provide high-level support to the CEO during this pivotal growth phase. This role will serve as the CEO's right hand, helping manage the increasing operational complexity resulting from their recent acquisition while ensuring critical initiatives receive proper attention and follow-through. The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment where they can balance strategic thinking with tactical execution.

As an organization in transition, the client need someone who can help maintain the rhythm of business, support board presentations and meetings, assist with executive hiring, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. This position requires someone who can work effectively in a hybrid environment, with the CEO spending time between Denver and Phoenix each month.

We're looking for someone motivated and proactive who doesn't shy away from any task, large or small. The right candidate will be able to manage both high-level strategy and tactical execution while maintaining strong relationships with multiple leadership team stakeholders. You should be comfortable with ambiguity and able to create structure where it's needed. Your strong emotional intelligence and excellent relationship-building skills will help you navigate complex situations and diverse personalities as we grow. If you're someone who can anticipate needs before they arise and maintain calm amidst rapid change, you'll thrive in this role.

This is a full-time, hybrid, exempt position based in Denver, CO.

Responsibilities

Executive & Board Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact between the CEO and the rest of the organization, facilitating seamless communication and coordination
• Support preparation and follow-up for quarterly board meetings with private equity investors
• Assist with monthly finance meetings and monthly regulatory meetings
• Help track and manage private equity investor requirements, including carbon monitoring initiatives
• Create and maintain organized communication systems with clear actions and accountability
• Support the development of LinkedIn/social media presence as requested by private equity investors
• Prepare and edit documents, presentations, and reports for internal and external review and use
• Facilitate executive team and quarterly board meetings by preparing agendas, taking minutes, and tracking follow-up actions

Strategic Growth Initiatives

• Support the integration of multiple utility companies, enabling the CEO to work more "on the business" rather than "in the business"
• Assist with the hiring process for key executive roles (CFO, COO, VP of Rates and Regulations, VP of Operations)
• Help tailor the "Rhythm of Business" as the leadership team and company needs grow
• Support communication with staff on the CEO's behalf as the company scales from 15 to 65+ employees
• Serve as a liaison between the Denver office and the Phoenix headquarters
• Represent the CEO in meetings as needed, ensuring that his perspectives and directives are communicated effectively
• Streamline operations and support high-level decision-making
• Support business performance by linking business units' objectives to company goals and values and communicating a shared vision

Operational Systems & Process Management

• In coordination with the CFO, assist with the transition from QuickBooks Enterprise to SAGE ERP system by end of year
• Support HR integration initiatives, including scaling payroll, integrating employees with different benefit structures and addressing employee questions
• Help implement environmental health and safety protocols across the organization
• Manage follow-up on action items from board and management meetings to ensure completion
• Assist CEO in Human Resource matters, including management of confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
• Manage the executive's schedule, prioritizing meetings and engagements to ensure that the CEO's time is spent on activities that align with the organization's strategic goals

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business administration, management or related field
• 5+ years of professional experience in an operations, consulting, project management, or chief of staff role
• Experience with utility companies, regulated businesses, or construction industry
• Post-merger integration (PMI) or change management experienc
• Experience creating and running reports to drive business intelligence
• Experience with HR processes and handling HR-related questions
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing board presentations and executive communications
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite and ability to quickly learn new business software applications
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment (3 days onsite in Denver)

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Advanced degree (MBA, J.D., MPA) preferred
• Experience in Chief of Staff or executive level support position
• Experience interacting with state and/or federal agencies
• Background in environmental health and safety protocols
• Experience in companies within the 50-100 employee range
• Experience in a private equity portfolio company
• Proficiency with QuickBooks Enterprise or ERP systems like SAGE
• Experience with LinkedIn content creation & management
• Proven ability to get along with different personalities
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to assess complex situations and interpret data
• Project and Program Management skills, Quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving)
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

Compensation Range

• Salary range: $135,000 - $150,000, depending on experience
• Short-term incentive bonus potential of 20-30% of base salary
• Comprehensive benefits package

Location & Schedule: 

• Based in Denver, CO (Lowry area office)
• Employment Type: Full-time Salaried, 32-40 Hrs./week
• Hybrid schedule - In-office 3 days per week / Home-office 2 days per week
• Travel Requirements: Travel to Arizona for board meetings and finance meetings 3-6 times per year

What to Expect from Our Selection Process

We are seeking strategic operators who possess the ability to move from strategy to tactical smoothly to join the client's team. Our selection process is designed to assess the whole candidate and foster a mutual match for you and us. The process includes: 

1. Vannin Chief of Staff Screening: 15 minute phone interview & 30 minute video interview
2. Client Interview #1: Virtual interview with CEO
3. Client Interview #2: In-person interview with CEO, including case study
4. Client Final Interview: Interview with private equity board member

Our client is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. They value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where employees can thrive and be themselves.