Chief of Staff

About the position

The Chief of Staff (COS) is critical in advancing the university's mission by providing strategic oversight and operational coordination at the highest level. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the COS serves as the principal administrative advisor, ensuring the seamless execution of institutional priorities, policies, and initiatives. As a key member of the Chancellor's Cabinet, the COS collaborates closely with senior leadership to drive strategic decision-making, enhance organizational efficiency, and align resources to support the university's long-term goals. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges, developing innovative solutions, and implementing strategies that foster institutional excellence. Additionally, the COS serves as a vital advisor and liaison to the Board of Trustees, overseeing the maintenance of Board meeting minutes and historical records to ensure transparency and continuity in governance.

Responsibilities

• Leadership of Strategic Initiatives - Serves as a senior representative of the Office of the Chancellor, working collaboratively with senior leaders and managing office staff to execute complex, university-wide initiatives.
• Institutional Alignment and Strategic Execution - Ensures alignment with the university's strategic plan by working closely with the Chancellor's Cabinet to define and implement key initiatives that support the institutional mission and values.
• Board of Trustees Liaison - As a key advisor and liaison to the Board Chair and Executive Committee, ensuring effective communication and coordination between the Chancellor's Office and governance bodies.
• Provides Policy Governance Support - Coordinating with the Chancellor's Cabinet and university leaders, the COS provides input to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees on institutional policies, strategic priorities, and governance matters.
• Institutional Performance and Accountability - Collaborates with university leadership to communicate and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure institutional progress and effectiveness.
• Leadership and Development of Office Staff - Directly supervise the Deputy Chief of Staff and other staff within the Chancellor's Office, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting professional development opportunities.
• Executive Cabinet Operations - Plans and coordinates Cabinet meetings and retreats, setting strategic agendas, guiding discussions, tracking action items, and ensuring follow-through on key initiatives.
• Representation on Institutional and External Platforms - Serves as a trusted proxy for the Chancellor at high-level meetings, events, and engagements, reinforcing institutional priorities and partnerships.
• Executive Communications Oversight - Works closely with the Director of Executive Communications to develop and disseminate high-level messages from the Chancellor.
• Executive Performance Review Coordination - Facilitates the annual executive performance evaluation process by gathering feedback, compiling assessments, drafting evaluations, and coordinating review meetings.
• Executive Search and Recruitment Support - Collaborates with Human Resources and external search firms to coordinate leadership searches.
• Integrity, Confidentiality, and Diplomacy - Upholds the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive university matters.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building - Cultivates strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, Trustees, and other stakeholders.
• Performs other executive-level duties as assigned to support the Chancellor's vision and institutional priorities.

Requirements

• Master's degree.
• 10 years of executive or leadership experience at the highest level in higher education, public administration, or business, or a field directly related to higher education.
• Extensive demonstrated experience in higher education administration, strategic planning, and executive-level decision-making.

Nice-to-haves

• Professional designation or certification relevant to the role.
• Previous experience in higher education leadership at the executive level.