• Trust: being a trusted and unbiased source of technical information, and forums, for technical dialog and collaboration.
• Growth and nurturing: encouraging education as a fundamental activity of engineers, scientists, and technologists at all levels and at all times; ensuring a pipeline of students to preserve the profession.
• Global community building: cultivating active, vibrant, and honest exchange among cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary global communities of technical professionals.
• Partnership: promoting a culture of respect for the employee and volunteer, valuing contributions at all levels of the organization, investing in training and development to enhance capabilities, empowering individuals to make a positive difference, and building a membership organization based on a strong volunteer-staff partnership to serve the profession.
• Service to humanity: leveraging science, technology, and engineering to benefit human welfare; promoting public awareness and understanding of the engineering profession.
• Integrity in action: fostering a professional climate in which engineers and scientists continue to be respected for their exemplary ethical behavior and volunteerism.

Strategic Plan

IEEE developed a Strategic Plan to lead the organization through 2030

The key goals include:

• Advance science and technology as a leading trusted source of information for research, development, standards, and public policy
• Drive technological innovation while promoting scientific integrity and the ethical development and use of technology
• Provide opportunities for technology-related interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing across industry, academia, and government
• Inspire intellectual curiosity and support discovery and invention to engage the next generation of technology innovators
• Expand public awareness of the significant role that engineering, science, and technology play across the globe
• Empower technology professionals in their careers through ongoing education, mentoring, networking, and lifelong engagement

Delivering on this plan

IEEE will foster a collaborative environment that is open, inclusive, and free of bias and will continue to sustain the strength, reach, and vitality of our organization for future generations.

History

The IEEE story illustrates the development and expansion of the electrical and communications industries. In 1884, as these professions began to grow, a group of technical professionals met and formed the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE). Early AIEE leaders included industry giants such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Norvin Green. In 1912, the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE) formed, focused on the growing field of radio and electronics. It brought its own international community together through standards development, publications, and conferences.

These two professional societies grew as advances occurred in their respective fields. Over the years, the interests of their members increasingly overlapped. In 1963, the AIEE and IRE merged to become today’s IEEE. However, the strong commitment to advance technology for the benefit of humanity remains consistent. This mission has guided IEEE and its predecessor societies since the early days of their formations.

Structure

The IEEE Board of Directors is composed of the IEEE President, IEEE President-elect, and IEEE Past President; the Vice Presidents and Presidents of the six major boards; the Secretary; the Treasurer; 10 Region Directors; and 10 Division Directors. All Board members are elected by IEEE membership.

The IEEE professional staff consists of approximately 1,200 employees.

Membership and Technical Communities

IEEE has a complementary regional and technical structure with organizational units based on geography and, giving IEEE members an opportunity to connect with other members locally as well as globally based on their technical field of interest. Members unite geographically within 10 IEEE Regions across the globe. IEEE manages a separate organizational unit, IEEE-USA, which recommends policies and implements programs specifically intended to benefit the members, the profession, and the public in the United States, giving IEEE members an opportunity to connect with other members locally as well as globally based on their technical field of interest. Members also connect through technical Societies and Councils based on their field of interest.

Conferences

To provide collaborative platforms and networking opportunities for tomorrow’s innovators and authors, IEEE sponsors more than 1,800 annual conferences, events and experiences worldwide, curating cutting-edge content for all the technical fields of interest within IEEE.

Publications

IEEE publishes the leading journals, transactions, letters, and magazines in electrical engineering, computing, biotechnology, telecommunications, power and energy, and dozens of other technologies. In addition, IEEE publishes more than 1,200 leading-edge conference proceedings every year, which are recognized by academia and industry worldwide as the most vital collection of consolidated published papers in electrical engineering, computer science, and related fields.

Standards

With an active portfolio of nearly 1,300 standards and projects under development, the IEEE Standards Association is a leading developer of industry standards in a broad range of technologies that drive the functionality, capabilities, and interoperability of a wide range of products and services, transforming how people live, work, and communicate. For example, the IEEE 802 Standard comprises a family of global networking standards that cover the physical layer specifications of technologies from Ethernet to wireless. If innovation is the catalyst for technological advancement, standards are the catalysts that enable innovation.

Education

IEEE is a leader in engineering and technology education, providing resources for pre-university, university, and continuing professional education. IEEE offers innovative STEM and university education and recognition programs for students and their teachers, facilitates the accreditation of engineering programs at the university level, and offers ongoing continuing professional education for practitioners and engineering faculty through platforms such as the IEEE Learning Network (ILN).

Humanitarian

Since IEEE is committed to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity, humanitarian and philanthropic opportunities bring together the wide range of IEEE programs that aim to improve the human condition through technology. across the globe. The strength and reach of the IEEE network impact many individuals worldwide.

As the philanthropic partner of IEEE, the IEEE Foundation inspires the generosity of donors to enable IEEE programs that improve access to technology, enhance technological literacy, and support

technical education and the IEEE professional community. The IEEE Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in the US.

The Candidate

The Chief of Staff serves as a key partner to the IEEE Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (ED), playing a central role in aligning priorities, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and ensuring coordinated execution across the enterprise. Operating at the center of a complex and mission-driven environment, this role is focused on improving how time, information, and decisions are managed to enable clear direction and effective outcomes.

As a member of the IEEE Management Council (MC), the Chief of Staff helps shape and implement staff and volunteer initiatives and deliver results within their area of responsibility, which may evolve with the needs of IEEE’s priorities. This includes supporting IEEE’s evolving global vision by developing focused plans to deliver KPIs, contributing to a high-performing business development environment, and maintaining the ongoing health of the broader organization.

The Chief of Staff shares collective responsibility with the MC for the management, performance, and evaluation of all IEEE functions and business units.

This position ensures that the business, operational, financial, cultural, and relational frameworks within IEEE are aligned with both current needs and future direction. It is especially vital in moments of growth, transition, or complexity, helping to maintain momentum, unity, and clarity across the organization.

In daily practice, the Chief of Staff fulfils several essential functions that support the effective leadership and cohesion of the organization. The role operates:

• As an air traffic controller for the ED, managing the flow of decisions, communications, and priorities to ensure focus and alignment.
• As an integrator, connecting initiatives and workstreams that might otherwise remain siloed, fostering cross-functional collaboration.
• As a communicator, serving as a link between the staff leadership team and IEEE’s global community of volunteers and professionals.
• As an honest broker, providing balanced, objective insight into complex issues and presenting multiple perspectives without bias.
• As a confidante, offering guidance and perspective to the ED, focused solely on the best interests of the enterprise.

Through these contributions, the Chief of Staff plays an essential role in helping IEEE operate with focus, consistency, and cohesion across a diverse and global landscape.

Specific duties include but not limited to:

• Strategic Partnership & Execution: The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner to the Executive Director & COO (ED), driving the successful implementation of the organization’s strategic plan through operational excellence, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder alignment. This role is pivotal in translating vision into action, ensuring that professional staff and volunteers are mobilized and aligned to achieve shared goals to advance the growth and innovation of IEEE.
• Stakeholder Alignment & Engagement: Oversees the strategic direction, activities, and business operations of the organizational units (OU), technical societies, councils and communities of the IEEE. Serves as a chief spokesperson on behalf of the ED in meetings with volunteer and staff leadership, reinforcing strategic priorities, clarifying roles, and ensuring continuity and collaboration across all IEEE initiatives.
• Organizational Agility & Culture: Identifies and addresses political, cultural, and relational dynamics that hinder progress. Breaks down silos and entrenched behaviors to foster a culture of innovation, shared accountability, and future-ready ways of working.
• Change Management & Implementation Support: Oversees management and planning for special projects and new initiatives as assigned by the IEEE Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. Leads and supports change initiatives that align with strategic goals. Works closely with senior leaders to engage stakeholders, minimize disruption, and ensure coordinated execution across the organization.
• Operational Oversight & Process Improvement: Manages and improves business processes to support strategic initiatives, including system enhancements, prioritization, documentation, and stakeholder communication. Ensures operational infrastructure is aligned with strategic priorities.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Navigates sensitive situations with sound judgment and emotional intelligence. Facilitates resolution of complex issues involving staff and volunteer collaboration, promoting mutual understanding and alignment. Ensures the ED is equipped with the insight, context, and follow-through needed for informed, high-impact decisions that advance IEEE’s organizational priorities.
• Performance & Accountability: Fosters a culture of collective ownership and commitment to deadlines. Ensures consistent follow-through on strategic actions and timely delivery of relevant information to support decision-making.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• 15- 20 years related work experience, with at least 7 years of management experience.
• Ability to implement and advance the ED’s vision, shaping organizational culture and strategy through thoughtful leadership and execution.
• Global mindset and cultural sensitivity with demonstrated success navigating complex, multicultural environments with workforce located in myriad geographies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives in a shared governance model. Adept at building consensus and fostering alignment across departments to achieve strategic, operational, and revenue objectives.
• Demonstrated business acumen and ability to drive organizational change and innovation. Track record of creatively solving complex challenges and delivering transformative outcomes.
• Exceptional influence skills, particularly in matrixed environments where success depends on collaboration with peers and stakeholders beyond direct reporting lines. Strong political acumen and organizational awareness.
• Highly organized and process-oriented, with well-developed project management capabilities. Skilled in prioritizing initiatives, managing execution, and ensuring accountability for results.
• Technologically savvy and proactive in leveraging digital solutions to address business challenges. Committed to continuous improvement through innovation and data-informed decision-making.
• Effective and persuasive communicator with strong active listening skills. Experienced in presenting to a wide range of audiences, including senior executives, board members, volunteers, and external partners.
• Sophisticated interpersonal skills, including discretion, empathy, and judgment. Able to navigate sensitive situations and foster trust across all levels of the organization.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to IEEE’s mission and the role of technology in shaping the future. Values integrity, ethics, and purpose-driven leadership.
• Skilled in anticipating and mitigating risks, simplifying complexity, and navigating ambiguity.
• Experienced in mentoring and developing professional staff. Demonstrates excellence in team leadership, performance management, and talent cultivation.
• Travel - 25 - 30% domestic and international travel (i.e., 13-16 weeks and includes weekends); Must have valid travel credentials (e.g. passport, driver’s license, etc.)

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree required. Technical degree a strong plus. Preferred but not required: Master's or other advanced degree Business Administration, Engineering, or Finance.

WORK VISA

In compliance with U.S. federal law, the successful candidate hired for the IEEE Chief of Staff role will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire.

COMPENSATION

Compensation includes base salary and discretionary bonus. The anticipated base salary range for this role is $ $227,000 to $292,000 and may vary based on factors such as skill, experience, and qualifications for the role. Total package provides additional benefits including access to health coverage and time off.

As defined in IEEE Policies, individuals currently serving on an IEEE board or committee are not eligible to apply.

Lorraine Lavet, Senior Client Partner

Lorraine.Lavet@kornferry.com

Becky Graham, Principal

Becky.Graham@kornferry.com

Emily Lynch, Senior Project Coordinator

Emily.Reda@kornferry.com

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