Chief of Staff

Job Title: Chief of Staff
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Principal
Location:  Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed: 10/31/2025

Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) supports operating non-profits founded by Alice Walton, including the Alice L. Walton Foundation, Alice L. Walton School of Medicine, Art Bridges, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Momentary, and Heartland Whole Health Institute.

About The Position

The Chief of Staff provides proactive management of day-to-day operations and coordination for a visionary individual. Working directly with the Principal and reporting to the Principal as part of a team, the Chief of Staff is responsible for managing a complex schedule and supports the Principal in stakeholder engagement, property management, information technology, security, general personal services, business meeting preparation, and other activities. The ability to navigate responsibilities with a high sense of professionalism, intelligence, maturity, sensitivity, and discretion is paramount. The Chief of Staff is effective in both an office setting and a private residence and maintains flexibility to travel on a consistent or ad hoc basis (up to 10%).

Success in this role requires a proactive, versatile, and resourceful approach to supporting the Principal and managing complex responsibilities. The Chief of Staff is a self-starter who is service-oriented and thrives in a dynamic, mission- and results-driven environment. The individual demonstrates creativity, strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a proactive ability to anticipate needs. The role is best performed by someone who is humble, sensible, empathetic, and highly compassionate in all interactions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Coordination

• Serve as the central point of contact for the Principal, ensuring effective coordination and communication across business, philanthropic, and personal activities. Schedule and coordinate calls, meetings, and events to support seamless execution.
• Proactively manage an extremely active, complex, rapidly changing calendar that spans multiple priorities and workstreams including business, philanthropic, and personal.
• Design and maintain the Principal’s calendar to align with workflow priorities and maximize efficiency.
• Coordinate with appropriate internal and external contacts to prepare materials and information for meetings and events.
• Ensure the Principal is fully prepared for upcoming commitments and has all relevant materials readily available.
• Serve as a gatekeeper for the Principal, managing the flow of information and responding to requests for time, input, and resources.
• Advise colleagues and partners on the Principal’s expectations, preferences, and presentation standards. Ensure materials are presented in a thoughtful, timely, and appropriate manner.
   

Relationship and Stakeholder Coordination

• Track and facilitate key relationships with friends, family, business partners, and contacts.
• Engage regularly with key stakeholders to strengthen and sustain professional and personal relationships.
• Plan and execute events and social functions, partnering with vendors such as caterers, florists, and event planners.
• Manage the Principal’s contact database and personal files by anticipating information needs and developing systems to ensure materials are current, accurate, and easily accessible.

Travel and Logistics Management

• Plan and oversee all travel logistics, including private flight arrangements, transportation scheduling, and accommodation coordination.
• Arrange reservations for hotels, restaurants, art viewings, and other engagements as requested.
• Coordinate itineraries and ensure all travel details are aligned with the Principal’s schedule and preferences.
• Travel with the Principal as needed to manage on-site logistics and support day-to-day requirements.

Collections Oversight

• Manage the Principal’s art, gem, and mineral collections, ensuring accurate documentation, acquisition tracking, and record keeping.
• Serve as the first point of contact for all art-related matters.
• Coordinate with art handlers, appraisers, and storage partners to ensure proper installation, maintenance, and insurance documentation.
• Facilitate art movements and installations, working closely with professional art handlers and storage companies to ensure the highest standards are maintained, and communicate all movements promptly to the family office for insurance purposes.
• Conduct an annual physical inventory of all pieces.
• Conduct quarterly review of art checklists with the Principal.
• Oversee appraisals and related documentation.

Property and Personal Operations

• Work closely with property managers to ensure houses and properties are maintained in excellent condition and fully prepared for use.
• Manage personal health logistics, including scheduling medical appointments, procedures, and insurance coordination.
• Manage personal care scheduling, including nail, hair, skin, and related appointments.
• Manage mail distribution, correspondence, and other administrative logistics across multiple locations.
• Prepare and draft correspondence and communications on behalf of the Principal.
• Assist with personal shopping, gift purchasing, and related errands as needed.

General Operations and Support

• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion in all aspects of the role.
• Anticipate needs, proactively identify solutions, and ensure operational continuity across multiple environments.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the Principal and the broader operational team.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience managing complex operations and projects for private individuals or families, with strong knowledge of private family lifestyles and discreet multi-estate management.
• Proven experience in taking initiative, representing others in a professional manner, and maintaining a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, and the ability to anticipate and respond to rapidly changing priorities.
• Proficiency in computer, technology, and security systems; experience coordinating IT and operational systems preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and see tasks through from inception to completion.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently while exercising sound judgment and accountability.
• Ability to balance hands-on execution with effective delegation and oversight.
• Grounded, entrepreneurial mindset with a high sense of urgency and the agility to operate in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to understand the nuances of the role and to react nimbly to evolving circumstances and priorities.
• Experience leading and developing staff, with a demonstrated ability to foster a high-functioning, collaborative, and service-oriented work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to interact effectively across a range of stakeholders.
• High degree of adaptability and flexibility within a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• High level of professional integrity, honesty, and ethical judgment; demonstrates humility, empathy, and compassion in all interactions.
• CPR or other basic life safety certifications; experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, passport, and legal authorization to work in the United States required.
• Must be able to pass an extensive background check, employment verification, and other pre-hire requirements.
• Flexibility to travel as needed (approximately 10%).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Physical Demands: In the work environment described, position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, and physical stamina to lift and transport a minimum of 20 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. The role may also involve standing, walking, bending, and reaching during event or property-related activities.

Work Environment: Work is performed full-time (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) in a professional, climate-controlled office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires regular interaction with internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. The position involves regular work in both office and private residence environments, coordinating with vendors and staff to support events, travel, and operational needs. The role requires occasional travel (approximately 10%), including overnight trips as needed, to support the Principal’s activities and related business functions. A flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work hours.

Art and Wellness Enterprises, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and a background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.