CVM Chief of Staff / Chief of Staff

Michigan State University - East Lansing, MI

Full-time - Senior

Remote - East Lansing, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief of Staff (CoS) at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a pivotal leadership role that collaborates closely with the Dean to advance the college's strategic vision and operational excellence. This position is responsible for managing strategic initiatives, resolving operational challenges, and overseeing institutional priorities to ensure CVM's status as a national leader in veterinary education, research, outreach, and service.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate directly with the Dean to implement bold, forward-thinking initiatives.
• Take ownership of the college-wide accreditation review process.
• Inspire and guide academic leadership to create innovative educational programs.
• Regularly track the progress of critical initiatives, ensuring accountability and deliverables.
• Lead the development of policies, standards, and processes for performance improvement.
• Act as a trusted advisor and problem-solver for college leadership, faculty, and staff.
• Build relationships with key external stakeholders and gather feedback.
• Represent the Dean in high-stakes meetings, articulating the college's priorities.
• Ensure compliance with academic governance, accreditation standards, and institutional policies.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and inclusive environment.

Requirements

• Proven track record of inspiring and leading teams in academic or high-stakes environments.
• Experience with academic governance, accreditation processes, and strategic planning.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and foster collaboration.
• Ability to balance high ambitions with pragmatic execution.
• Demonstrated ethical decision-making and impeccable judgment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to build alliances and navigate complex environments.
• Exceptional communication skills to articulate the college's needs.
• Resilience and a positive attitude in the face of challenges.

Nice-to-haves

• An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Five to eight years of related experience in leadership positions.

Benefits

• Remote work available for up to one work day per week.
• Flexible work environment with some duties that can be performed remotely.