Chief of Staff

Tagup is a defense technology company founded at MIT building next-generation AI to improve logistics in high-stakes national security environments. The Chief of Staff partners directly with the CEO to translate strategy into execution, drive cross-functional alignment, and increase operational rigor as the company scales. The role sits at the center of executive decision-making with exposure to defense customers, investors, and the board.

• Serve as the CEO’s trusted advisor and operational right hand, anticipating needs and driving high-leverage execution across the organization.
• Drive clarity and alignment across product, engineering, operations, and customer teams by defining priorities and ensuring consistent execution.
• Run executive cadence with rigor, including leadership meetings, strategic offsites, planning cycles, and decision tracking.
• Translate company strategy into initiatives with clear owners, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Prepare for and participate in high-stakes meetings with defense customers, partners, investors, and board members.
• Shape internal and external communications on behalf of the CEO and act as a proxy when appropriate.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving government customers, pricing strategy, product roadmap alignment, and operational scaling.
• Surface risks early, resolve cross-team friction, and unblock execution bottlenecks.
• Maintain strict discretion and operational security when handling sensitive or controlled information.

• Education: MBA strongly preferred.

• Experience: 7+ years in strategy, operations, consulting, investment banking, defense technology, or executive leadership support in a high-growth environment.

• Preferred background: Top-tier management consulting (e.g., McKinsey, BCG, Bain), investment banking, high-growth SaaS, or defense technology.

• Exceptional critical thinking and structured problem-solving skills.

• Ability to synthesize complex technical, operational, and financial information into clear executive-level insights.

• High emotional intelligence and executive presence; ability to influence across functions and senior stakeholders.

• Ability to operate in high-pressure, high-visibility environments with sound judgment.

• Understanding of government procurement, defense customers, or national security environments preferred.

• Proven integrity and discretion when handling confidential, sensitive, or export-controlled information.

• Ability to travel up to 25–40% (customer and government sites as needed).

• Compensation: Estimated annual salary range $200,000–$250,000 (converted to approximately $16,667–$20,833 per month); employee stock option plan (equity).

• Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance and 401(k) plan.

• Other: Team-oriented environment with regular company outings.

• Work authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; no visa sponsorship available.

• Travel: Up to 25–40%.