Chief of Staff - Vehicle Design Studio

$159,000 - $199,000/Yr

Rivian - Irvine, CA

Full-time - Senior

Irvine, CA

About the position

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever, and this ethos extends to the Chief of Staff role within the Vehicle Design Studio. The Chief of Staff will serve as a pivotal figure in streamlining departmental operations and enhancing communication across design teams. This individual will act as a trusted advisor and facilitator, ensuring that design initiatives align with Rivian's mission and strategic goals. The Chief of Staff will oversee project management, provide analytical support, and foster an inclusive and innovative design culture. In this role, the Chief of Staff will serve as a liaison between the Chief Design Officer and various departments, ensuring fluid communication and collaboration. They will coordinate and manage strategic projects within the design department, from planning to execution, and prepare briefing materials, agenda items, and summaries for meetings attended by the Chief Design Officer. Analyzing design performance metrics and providing insights that support strategic decision-making will be a key responsibility, as will assisting in developing and promoting design initiatives that reflect Rivian's brand identity and values. The Chief of Staff will also foster a culture of innovation by organizing workshops, brainstorming sessions, and other creative collaboration events. Maintaining an organized system to track ongoing projects and initiatives will be essential, ensuring timely updates and progress reports. Additionally, this role will support recruitment and onboarding processes for new design team members, fostering an inclusive environment that aligns with Rivian's commitment to diversity and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between the Chief Design Officer and various departments, ensuring fluid communication and collaboration.
• Coordinate and manage strategic projects within the design department, from planning to execution.
• Prepare briefing materials, agenda items, and summaries for meetings attended by the Chief Design Officer.
• Analyze design performance metrics and provide insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Assist in developing and promoting design initiatives that reflect Rivian's brand identity and values.
• Foster a culture of innovation by organizing workshops, brainstorming sessions, and other creative collaboration events.
• Maintain an organized system to track ongoing projects and initiatives, ensuring timely updates and progress reports.
• Support recruitment and onboarding processes for new design team members, fostering an inclusive environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within the automotive or design industry.
• Strong project management skills with a proven track record of driving initiatives to successful completion.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in design thinking principles, user-centered design, and the latest design software/tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting data to inform strategic decisions.
• Passion for electric vehicles and sustainability, aligning with Rivian's mission and values.