Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration

Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN

Full-time - Senior

Nashville, TN

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief of Staff for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration serves as a key advisor and strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor, assisting in the execution of the division's vision and priorities. This role is pivotal in leading high-impact, high-visibility projects and initiatives as directed by the Vice Chancellor. The Chief of Staff will draw upon broad concepts and ideas to continuously augment strategic projects and planning for divisional and institutional priorities. This includes developing cross-functional action plans, driving results, and measuring success and impact to inform future planning and work. The Chief of Staff is responsible for executing strategic level decisions, ensuring that stakeholders have the necessary resources and capacity to meet project objectives. Vanderbilt University is a community collectively striving to succeed through immersive learning, integrated research, and collaborative discovery. The Division of Administration exists to provide the infrastructure that makes this mission possible. With a focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, the division proudly serves every member of the Vanderbilt community through various departments, including Child & Family Centers, Auxiliaries, Public Safety, Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety, Transportation & Mobility, and Sustainability. The team values quality service and collaboration, representing the expectations and ideals upheld in all endeavors. The Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic counsel and trusted thought partner to the Vice Chancellor, offering candid feedback, constructive input, and recommendations on overall strategy, key decisions, and initiatives based on knowledge and experience. This position will also involve sitting on the leadership team of the division, bringing forth ideas, insights, and data that help shape short- and long-term goals and priorities. The Chief of Staff will act as a designee of the Vice Chancellor, interacting frequently with stakeholders both internal and external to the division, making high-level decisions, and providing direction on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. Additionally, the Chief of Staff will oversee and drive initiatives while representing and communicating the Vice Chancellor's vision and strategy with both the internal team and all stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic counsel and trusted thought partner to the Vice Chancellor by offering candid feedback, constructive input, and recommendations on overall strategy, key decisions, and initiatives based on knowledge and experience.
• Sit on the leadership team of the division bringing forth ideas, insights, and data that help shape short- and long-term goals and priorities.
• Act as a designee of the Vice Chancellor, interacting frequently with stakeholders both internal and external to the division by making high-level decisions and providing direction on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
• Oversee and drive initiatives while representing and communicating the Vice Chancellor's vision and strategy with both the internal team and all stakeholders.
• Assess inquiries from outside stakeholders or other levels of leadership directed at the Vice Chancellor to determine the necessary decision maker.
• Monitor initiatives and strategic projects established by the Vice Chancellor to ensure timely, accurate, and successful completion.
• Identify key measures of success and drive for results in each project or initiative while also assessing and reporting on progress and impact to division leadership and other stakeholders.
• Synthesize complex information and data into concise briefings and presentations for the Vice Chancellor, enabling informed decision-making.
• Hire, develop, and mentor staff to ensure all reporting units have the skills and capabilities to achieve success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of ten years of experience with five years serving in a strategic role is necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communications, listening skills are required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, and Outlook) is required.

Benefits

• Working and growing together as a community of communities.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally.