Chief of Staff / Director of Residences
Position: Chief of Staff / Director of Residences
Locations: East Coast & West Coast (50/50 split)
Client: Ultra-High-Net-Worth Private Principal
Work Authorization: Open to U.S.-based and European candidates legally eligible to work in the U.S.
Compensation:
Salary in the range of $250K to $400K
Full Benefits Package
Industry Standard P/T/O
Position Overview:
A highly discreet, ultra-high-net-worth individual seeks a hands-on, service-oriented Chief of Staff / Director of Residences to oversee and optimize operations across two large, fully staffed private residences—one located on the East Coast and one on the West Coast. The ideal candidate will possess a refined blend of five-star hospitality skills, operational leadership, and financial and technical acumen, capable of cultivating excellence and consistency across both homes.
This role is best suited to a polished professional who leads by example, understands discretion as second nature, and thrives in semi-formal environments. The successful candidate will maintain an exceptional eye for detail and possess a naturally service-minded approach, all while ensuring alignment with the principal’s quiet, private lifestyle.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily operations across both residences, ensuring seamless, uniform service and presentation.
- Spend approximately 50% of the time at each property; flexibility is essential.
- Train, mentor, and onboard domestic staff, elevating existing service standards, especially in food & beverage, wardrobe care, and guest service.
- Serve as the principal's primary point of contact for residential matters, anticipating needs and executing them with discretion.
- Audit and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including dietary preferences, guest protocols, and seasonal routines.
- Refine and maintain house manuals, training materials, and procedural documents (digital and hard copy).
- Collaborate with and support existing Estate Managers; train them in proactive household management and high-level reporting.
- Liaise with architects, interior designers, general contractors, and vendors for ongoing projects or renovations.
- Train the existing team(s) how to manage and track wardrobe inventory, ensuring seamless coordination between residences and staff.
- Oversee mechanical systems documentation, including installation/service dates, maintenance schedules, and replacement timelines.
- Coordinate with 24-hour security and family office personnel to ensure aligned operations and risk mitigation.
- Demonstrate fluency in smart home systems, security technology, remote access tools, and digital maintenance logs.
- Vendor management, project management and contract negotiations working with the existing support – reviewing current contacts and making suggestive changes to teams.
- Assist with future property acquisitions working alongside Family Office
- Assist with vendor management, permitting, zoning, budgeting, and household accounting.
- Lead and model hospitality service standards.
- Storage facility management, inventory and documentation
Ideal Candidate Profile:
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Tenure and References: Only candidates with 5+ years in a previous position will be considered. Outstanding professional references are required.
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Industry Experience: Background in luxury hospitality, five-star hotels, or high-level private estate management.
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Regional Experience & Connections: Experience working between New York and Los Angeles, with strong connections within design and vendor communities.
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Construction & Project Management: Able to read blueprints, understand zoning and permitting, and provide guidance on residential construction projects.
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Financial Acumen: Strong ability to track household budgets, review P&Ls, and collaborate closely with family office accountants.
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Team Leadership & Property Management: Skilled in training domestic teams, managing large properties, and elevating standards while supporting a culture of loyalty and discretion.
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Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Apple systems, smart home interfaces (Crestron, Savant, etc.), and file/document organization.
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Personal Qualities: Grace under pressure, hyper-organized, thoughtful communicator, and low-ego team leader.
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Legal & HR Knowledge: Basic understanding of legal and human resources responsibilities.
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Languages: Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
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Attention to Detail: Demonstrates an almost OCD-level focus on accuracy and organization.
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Administrative Skills: Highly organized, efficient, and precise with all administrative tasks.
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Professional Demeanor: Warm, approachable, and endearing without blurring professional boundaries.
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Leadership Experience: Prior experience managing and leading teams is required.
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Aesthetic Awareness: Demonstrates a refined sense of style and attention to detail in maintaining an elegant, polished, and cohesive presentation, particularly when overseeing large teams.
Additional Details:
- This is a hands-on, full-time salaried position with generous compensation based on experience.
- Travel between residences is required; air travel provided.
- No international properties or yacht responsibilities; however, the principal does maintain a fleet of private aircraft.
- Candidates must be highly flexible, able to manage shifting priorities with calm and professionalism.
