Chief of Staff

About the Role

Reporting to the Chancellor of the university, the Chief of Staff (COS) will support the operations of the Chancellor’s office and serve as a strategic partner/liaison to the President. The COS will sit on the Chancellor’s Executive Leadership Team (CELT) and partner with various campus bodies and constituents to advance strategic priorities and special projects, including matters involving University officials and community leaders. The COS will interact regularly with the Board of Supervisors and must be strategic, analytical, process-oriented, and committed to excellence in advancing the vision of the Chancellor.

Responsibilities

• Serves a key role in strategic planning and problem resolution for matters affecting major segments of the university.
• Ensures matters requiring the attention of the CELT are thoroughly developed, researched, and evaluated.
• Acts as a key advisor to the Chancellor, helping operationalize the Chancellor’s priorities into actionable plans.
• Creates and maintains a communication plan to represent the Chancellor in projects and meetings, keeping the Chancellor informed.
• Supports the work of the SUS President and Board of Supervisors on behalf of the Chancellor, advancing projects and strategic initiatives.
• Serves as the primary liaison for the Chancellor with university officials and community leaders on strategic and operational matters.
• Supports the Chancellor on issues related to faculty, staff, students, and public affairs.
• Manages high-priority projects and programs designed to support institutional goals and achieve the university’s mission.
• Aids in maintaining the strategic vision across multiple divisions and ensures constituent representatives are kept informed of project activities.
• Represents the university and coordinates communication with key community and advocacy groups, external agencies, and other interested parties.
• Prepares reports and other communications on behalf of the Chancellor with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Engages with the Government Relations office regularly, providing updates on government contacts, events, and programs as directed by the Chancellor.
• Anticipates, identifies, and troubleshoots issues of concern; provides timely information and updates to stakeholders and responds to inquiries as delegated by the President.
• Partners with financial administration to develop business plans for a wide range of projects; may chair and lead committees, including budget development and management.
• Provides leadership in marketing, advancement, and workforce & community development.
• May oversee the direct or indirect supervision of assigned personnel within the Office of the Chancellor, ensuring alignment with university policies, goals, and mission.
• Performs additional job-related duties as assigned or as the need arises.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree plus demonstrated knowledge, competence, and 5 or more years of experience in areas such as higher education, strategic planning, project management, and operational effectiveness.
• Firm working knowledge of theories, concepts, and practices, with the ability to apply them in complex, difficult, or unprecedented situations.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment, as well as collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Excellent organizational, communication, time management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet, and Banner software (or the ability to learn Banner).

Review of applications begins August 10, 2026, and continues until the position is filled.