Chief of Staff to the CEO

Leawood, KS

Become Part of a Meaningful Mission

Torch.AI is a defense-focused AI-software company on a mission to become the leading provider of critical data infrastructure for U.S. Defense and National Security. We deliver advanced AI and data software capabilities directly to customer mission owners to meet flexible, user-defined specifications and enable a decision advantage for the warfighter. We’re passionate about solving complex problems that improve national security, support our warfighters, and protect our nation. Join us in our mission to help organizations Unlock Human Potential.  

The U.S. defense and national security industry offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to the safety and well-being of the nation while engaging with cutting-edge technologies. As a vital sector that shapes global stability, it offers a dynamic environment to tackle complex challenges across multidisciplinary domains. With substantial investment in innovation, the industry is at the forefront of developing AI, autonomous systems, and advanced national security solutions, each founded on the premise that information is the new battlefield. If this type of work is of interest, we’d love to hear from you.

The Environment: Unlock Your Potential   

Torch.AI is undergoing a rapid growth year, scaling our GTM approach and sales/delivery functions, accelerating hiring, investing in new branding and marketing initiatives, and hardening internal processes. Torch.AI is seeking a Chief of Staff to the CEO to play a critical role in supporting a variety of internal initiatives to help fuel this growth and enable Torch.AI’s long-term success.

The Chief of Staff will work within Torch.AI’s Business Operations Department, reporting directly to Torch.AI’s CEO, while also working closely with the COO, CTO, Department Presidents, Head of Growth, and Finance & Accounting / HR functions. This role will work cross-functionally to design, lead, support, and implement a variety of operational and strategic business projects. You will interact and work with employees in our Kansas City, KS office as well as those co-located across the U.S.

This is a tremendous opportunity to become immersed in a role spanning both operational and strategic initiatives, and with a company poised for strong growth in an exciting, impactful industry. The ideal candidate is a dynamic “generalist” by nature, capable of tackling and solving for a wide range of initiatives across multiple business areas with confidence; you are also a follow-through “doer” who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and doesn’t need to be told what to do to take action. You’ll play an integral role in supporting nearly every aspect of the business and ensuring operational alignment across business functions and teams and will have an opportunity to showcase your skills as a strategist, consultant, thought leader, program manager, and a ‘jack-of-all-trades’.

Your day-to-day will rarely ever be the same. Instead, you’ll be expected to approach a number of tasks and initiatives based on business needs:

  • Company operations: support HR, Marketing, Sales, and Solutions Delivery functions in designing, improving, and implementing various processes and tools to support teams.
  • Business integration: Drive strategic initiatives and provide thought leadership. Identify issues that impede business success and provide effective solutions / recommendations. Identify opportunities to create cross-functional collaboration. Partner with HR to orchestrate solutions designs and implement plans.
  • Executive leadership decision support: become a trusted advisor to the CEO, COO, and CTO for executive leadership decision-making and reporting.
  • Communications: Partner with stakeholders to plan and execute internal and external communications, such as newsletters, reports, presentations. Plan and manage team meetings, including All Hands, staff meetings, and manager/executive meetings.
  • Financial analysis: Partner with Finance & Accounting team to analysis company financials, KPIs, and metrics, and communicate reports to respective stakeholders.
  • Market research & analysis: Perform regular and ad-hoc market research in support of direct sales, GTM strategies, and customer success (knowledge of Bloomberg Government and other government contracting platforms, a plus).
  • Sales operations: Partner with Sales/BD and Solutions Presidents to manage pipeline, sales/BD, and partner activities; maintain regular reporting (e.g., Monday CRM).
  • Strategic partnerships: Serve as the primary POC for existing partnerships, maintain partner relations, and identify opportunities for growth.
  • Contribute directly to Torch.AI’s continued position as a market leader for data infrastructure AI and compete against multi-billion-dollar incumbents and high-tech AI companies. 

Critical Skills 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (e.g., Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Management, Computer Science, etc.).
  • 5-8 years of experience supporting financial management, business planning, operations management, strategy, project management, human capital, or other business-related roles.
  • Experience at a top-tier management consulting firm, a plus.
  • Experience leading/managing teams (people management).
  • Proven ability driving complex, multi-stakeholder processes and cross-team programs to achieve desired results.
  • Ability to develop effective relationships, operate with trust, and influence decisions across all organizational levels.
  • Experience supporting executive-level communications, written and oral.
  • Analytical thinker, with strong ability to operate both “in the weeds” and at a strategic “50,000 foot” view.
  • Capable of using and quickly learning new tools in support of business processes (Microsoft O365, including PPT, Word, Excel; Monday CRM; Bloomberg Government; Rippling HRIS).

Security Clearance

Currently holds or willing to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Work Location

This role is based at our headquarters in Leawood, KS and may require limited travel to customer sites (<10% depending on time of year, upcoming engagements, industry events, or other c-suite support).

Incentives

  • Equity: All employees are eligible to participate in the company equity incentive program within their first 12 months of employment. We are proud that 100% of our employees are equity-owning partners at Torch.AI.
  • Competitive salary, variable incentive plans, and annual performance bonus opportunities.
  • Unlimited PTO.
  • 11 paid holidays each year.
  • Incredible professional development and learning opportunities in a fast-paced high-tech environment and exciting industry.
  • Weekly in-office catering in our Leawood HQ.

Benefits

Torch.AI values employee well-being and, in turn, offers exceptional benefits options which greatly exceed regional and national averages for similar companies. 

401k Plan

  • Torch.AI offers a 401k plan through John Hancock. While the company does not offer employee matching, we offer 3% profit sharing for all employees who elect to participate in the 401k plan. Profit sharing is calculated based on company performance at the end of each calendar year and distributed to 401k accounts at the start of each calendar year.

Medical 

  • Three medical options: PPO, HSA, and TRICARE.
  • Torch.AI’s HSA contribution is 250%–350% higher than average employer contributions in Kansas City and Arlington regions.
  • Only ~18% of employers offer TRICARE Supplement plans. 

Spending Accounts

  • Above-market employer funding and flexibility.
  • HSA: Triple-tax advantage
  • FSA: $50-$3,300 annual contribution, $660 rollover
  • Dependent Care FSA: $100-$5,000, pre-tax savings on child/dependent care.

Dental 

  • High Plan annual maximum is ~2.6x higher than the national average. 
  • High Renaissance Plan: $5,000 annual max, 50% ortho up to $1,000.
  • Low Renaissance Plan: $1,000 annual max, no ortho.

Vision 

  • Frame allowance is 25-35% higher than typical employer-sponsored plans.
  • Vision through Renaissance with VSP Choice network: $0 exams, lenses covered in full, and $180 frame allowance

Life Insurance

  • Employer-paid 1x base salary and additional voluntary options for employees and spouses, compared to most employers who only cover $50k basic life on average.

Disability & Illness 

  • Torch.AI ranks in the top 10% of regional employers for disability benefits 
  • Short-Term Disability (employer paid): 60% income, up to $2,000/week
  • Long-Term Disability (employer paid): 60% income, up to $5,000/month

Voluntary Benefits

  • Robust Voluntary plans offer direct pash payout flexibility and wellness incentives.
  • Accidental Insurance
  • Critical Illness
  • Hospital Indemnity
  • Commuter Benefits: up to $300/month tax-free for transit/parking

 

Torch.AI is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.  

 

JOB CODE: 1000119