NDSU Chief of Staff

North Dakota State University - Fargo, ND

Full-time - Senior

Fargo, ND

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief of Staff at North Dakota State University (NDSU) plays a pivotal role in supporting the President by providing broad strategic advice and ensuring the timely completion of institutional initiatives. This position requires a strong focus on strategic policy work and relationship development with a diverse range of constituents. The Chief of Staff will utilize exceptional negotiation skills to support university priorities and will be involved in various aspects of university governance and administration. In this role, the Chief of Staff will be responsible for reviewing, researching, and summarizing a variety of information and data, preparing related reports and summaries for the President. The individual will provide expert advice on a wide range of university matters and will lead campus discussions on policy issues, goals, and the university's mission. The Chief of Staff will also participate in institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution alongside the President and other senior officers, helping to formulate and implement NDSU's strategic plans in alignment with the State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) goals. Additionally, the Chief of Staff will work closely with key external stakeholders, including donors, alumni, and business leaders, to develop and implement strategies that support the university's objectives. This includes formulating federal and state legislative goals and strategies, as well as collaborating with legislators and the Governor's office to achieve these goals. The Chief of Staff will also oversee major campus-wide messaging originating from the President's Office, ensuring effective communication and coordination with the University Relations Office. The position requires a high degree of autonomy and discretion, as the Chief of Staff will monitor assignments delegated to staff, facilitate timely completion of tasks, and conduct special projects as needed. The individual will serve on the Cabinet and play a key role in NDSU's Emergency Operations Plan, demonstrating leadership and collaboration across various departments and divisions within the university.

Responsibilities

• Review, research, and summarize a variety of information/data and prepare related reports and summaries.
• Provide expert advice to the President on a breadth of university matters.
• Provide campus leadership and advice on policy issues, goals, and mission.
• Participate with the President and other senior officers on institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution.
• Help formulate and implement NDSU's strategic plans consistent with SBHE goals and expectations.
• Help formulate and implement strategies for key external stakeholders, including donors, alumni, and business leaders.
• Help formulate and implement federal and state legislative goals and strategy.
• Work with federal and state legislators, staff, and the Governor's office to achieve goals.
• Work with the University Relations Office to conceptualize, draft, and edit major campus-wide messaging originating from the President's Office.
• Monitor assignments delegated to staff and facilitate timely completion to meet deadlines.
• Conduct and/or assist the President on special projects.
• Work collaboratively with SBHE, NDUS personnel, and other campuses within the NDUS.
• Serve on the Cabinet, including a key role in NDSU's Emergency Operations Plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Five years of professional, senior level experience in a large, complex organization or corporate headquarters.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong ability to influence people and decisions.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of autonomy while being aligned with Presidential objectives.
• Ability to drive key projects and initiatives with significant impact across the organization.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience providing senior executive level strategic support within an institution of higher education, state government, and/or industry.
• Previous Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer, or similar level experience, particularly in the legislative domain.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan