Chief of Staff to the Provost

About the Role

The University of Arkansas invites applications for the Chief of Staff to the Provost, a key leadership role supporting strategic priorities. The Chief of Staff to the Provost serves as a senior advisor and trusted partner to the Provost. This position supports the advancement of academic and institutional priorities by facilitating coordination, communication, and implementation across the units reporting to the Provost. This position is well-suited for a professional with strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments while advancing high-impact work.

Acting with delegated authority on behalf of the Provost, the Chief of Staff works closely with Vice Provosts, Deans, and other academic leaders to ensure alignment of initiatives, effective follow-through on key priorities, and thoughtful engagement with the university's shared governance processes. The Chief of Staff also supports the Provost in navigating and maintaining effective relationships with external partners, University of Arkansas System leaders, and other key stakeholders, coordinating with the appropriate university offices to promote alignment and advance institutional priorities.

The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in ensuring coordination of communications, requests, and matters directed to or originating from the Office of the Provost. The position assesses and routes inquiries, facilitates timely and appropriate responses, and ensures that communications involving the Provost's Office are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with university priorities. This role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate a complex, decentralized academic environment. Regular, non-disruptive and reliable attendance is required, as well as the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least four years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, government, or a similarly complex organization
• At least two years supporting or working directly with senior leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating cross-functional initiatives or projects involving multiple departments, units, or stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in higher education, government, or a similarly complex organization
• Demonstrated experience preparing executive-level materials, such as briefings, reports, presentations, or communications for senior leadership
• Experience supporting or participating in institutional processes, initiatives, or governance activities (e.g., strategic planning, policy development, board or committee support, academic or administrative initiatives)

Core Competencies

• Executive Judgment & Advising: Provides thoughtful and well-informed counsel on complex and sensitive matters
• Relationship Building: Establishes effective working relationships across academic and administrative units
• Coordination & Follow-Through: Ensures priorities are advanced in a timely and organized manner
• Institutional Awareness: Understands the structure, culture, and governance of a public research university
• Communication: Prepares clear, concise, and well-organized materials for a variety of audiences
• Discretion and Integrity: Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and care
• Adaptability & Discretion: Manages competing priorities with professionalism and sound judgment

Pay

$125,000 - $140,000