Application Guide
How to Apply for Chief of Staff
at Only One
🏢 About Only One
Only One is a campaigning organization that uses strategic communications and movement building to drive ocean and climate policy worldwide. With a lean team of 25 across multiple time zones, it offers high ownership and fast-paced work for those passionate about environmental impact. Working here means directly contributing to campaigns that change minds and shape policy.
About This Role
As Chief of Staff, you'll be the operational backbone of Only One, working closely with the CEO to turn ambitious climate goals into action. You'll own annual planning, cross-team coordination, and ensure a small team can execute a large agenda. This role is pivotal in bridging intention and action, directly enabling the organization's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start your day with a check-in with the CEO to align on priorities, then coordinate with team leads across time zones to ensure campaign milestones are on track. Later, you could be refining an operational process or preparing a briefing for an upcoming board meeting, all while keeping the team informed and focused.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Only One Is Looking For
- Proven experience in a Chief of Staff, operations, or strategic planning role, ideally in a remote, mission-driven organization.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders across time zones.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of synthesizing complex information for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to Only One
Highlight any experience you have in climate, ocean, or environmental advocacy, even if not in a Chief of Staff capacity.
Emphasize your ability to create and optimize processes in a remote, asynchronous work environment.
Show familiarity with Only One's campaigns and partners by referencing specific initiatives in your application.
Demonstrate your ability to work with a CEO and leadership team, providing examples of how you've streamlined operations.
Use your cover letter to explain why you're drawn to Only One's mission and how you can contribute to their global impact.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for ocean and climate issues and alignment with Only One's campaigning approach.", "Concrete examples of how you've built or improved operational systems in a small, fast-growing organization.", 'Your experience working remotely and coordinating across multiple time zones.', "How you've supported a CEO or leadership team in strategic planning and execution."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Only One's website, especially their campaigns and impact reports, to understand their work.
- → Read about the current Chief of Staff's responsibilities and achievements to understand the role's evolution.
- → Research the ocean and climate policy landscape, including key players and current initiatives.
- → Look into Only One's partners and funders to grasp their collaborative approach.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on generic Chief of Staff duties without connecting to Only One's mission and campaigning work.
- Neglecting to mention remote work experience or ability to work across time zones.
- Using a one-size-fits-all cover letter that doesn't address the specific challenges of a small, global team.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!