Chief of Staff

$14,167 - $78,756/Yr

California State University

Full-time - Executive

Remote

Educational Services

About the position

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Chief of Staff to provide high-level strategic advising and direction to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of Academic and Student Affairs. This role is pivotal in shaping the strategic priorities and goals of the CSU system, which is the largest and most diverse system of higher education in the nation. The Chief of Staff will serve as the principal advisor on policy development and will collaborate closely with division leadership to ensure that the DVC is well-prepared and briefed on current and emerging matters in academic and student affairs. In this capacity, the Chief of Staff will monitor and ensure effective resolution of projects assigned to the division by various stakeholders, including the Trustees, Governor, Legislature, and Chancellor. The incumbent will work collaboratively with executive assistants to prepare the DVC for meetings and will conduct research and analysis to support decision-making processes. The Chief of Staff will also manage special projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with division goals and effective communication of directives to staff. The position requires a high level of visibility, as the Chief of Staff will represent the DVC in various settings and meetings, facilitating conferences and system-wide gatherings. The role also involves anticipating developments in academic and student affairs, managing relationships with other divisions, and assisting in strategic planning activities. The Chief of Staff will engage with state leadership on matters related to CSU academic and student affairs and will serve as a liaison with other educational organizations. This position is approved for telecommuting, allowing for a flexible work arrangement with three days in the office and two days of remote work.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal advisor to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) on academic and student affairs matters essential to the campuses and to the strategic priorities of the CSU.
• Support the DVC by strategically managing projects assigned to Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) from the Trustees, Governor, Legislature, or Chancellor.
• Facilitate the ability of the DVC to manage executive functions by advising and providing context on issues.
• Work in collaboration with executive assistants to ensure DVC is optimally prepared for meetings and executive functions.
• Research, analyze, and interpret information, issues, and proposals for the DVC.
• Manage and coordinate special projects/initiatives, including research, evaluation, analysis, and written or oral reports with recommendations for action.
• Develop, prepare, and/or review high-level correspondence, reports, scripts, or presentations.
• Serve in a highly visible capacity presenting and/or facilitating conferences and various system-wide meetings.
• Anticipate systemwide academic and student affairs developments and propose strategies for resolution.
• Manage projects and relationships with other CO divisions to ensure senior leaders are informed of decisions affecting their areas.
• Assist division AVCs and department leaders with understanding assignments and ensure timely completion.
• Work in collaboration with ASA leadership to identify and shape strategic priorities.
• Interface with leadership and staff at all levels to coordinate initiatives and resolve issues.
• Assist in orchestrating strategic communications across ASA departments.
• Serve as the chair and facilitator of bi-weekly leadership team meetings and monthly Division-wide gatherings.
• Engage with state leadership on matters related to CSU academic and student affairs.
• Understand and interpret organizational policies and procedures necessary for decision-making protocols.
• Function as a system liaison on academic and student affairs matters with other educational segments and organizations.
• Keep abreast of trends and best practices in academic and student affairs and provide recommendations for ASA-wide efforts.
• Oversee all necessary activities related to Board of Trustees (BOT) meetings and track issues raised by Trustees.

Requirements

• Earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and 10 years related experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of high-level project or program management experience with demonstrated progressive growth in responsibilities.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience working for a high-level executive or administrator in a complex work environment.
• Experience working in a higher education environment is required.
• Prior experience providing support to a high-level executive that involved overseeing commitments and ensuring priorities were met.
• Demonstrated understanding of universities that are part of a large state system.
• Strong project management experience to include developing or managing projects and initiatives.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple projects and activities with competing deadlines.
• Ability to set and manage timelines and priorities; utilize sound judgment, and ensure discretion and confidentiality in all matters.
• Excel in working across multiple departments/divisions.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong administrative and analytical skills, including the ability to research, evaluate, analyze, and strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to interpret and communicate policies and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external constituents.
• Knowledge of current computer platforms and software applications to include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and multimedia.

Nice-to-haves

• Graduate degree from an accredited university is highly preferred.
• Experience working in academic affairs and student affairs is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans
• Fee waiver education program
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 15 paid holidays a year