Chief of Staff, YCC Director's Office

About the role

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic administrative and operational partner to the Cancer Center Director, providing comprehensive oversight and coordination of the Director’s Office. This position supports and directs the day-to-day administration and operations, ensuring priorities, initiatives, communications, and activities align with the Cancer Center’s strategic goals. The Chief of Staff acts as a central point of coordination for information, people, and priorities, managing complex demands on the Director’s time, facilitating communication and decision-making, and ensuring timely follow-through on key initiatives.

The role requires a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and independence, representing the Director’s interests in interactions with faculty, staff, senior leadership, institutional partners, and external stakeholders. The Chief of Staff establishes and maintains effective working relationships across the Cancer Center and broader organization, serving as a trusted liaison. The position also provides leadership for special projects, strategic initiatives, and organizational priorities, anticipating needs, addressing operational issues, and facilitating collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the administrative functions of the office, including training and development for at least two full-time staff members.
• Ensures timely and efficient communication regarding projects and initiatives; researches information on a wide variety of topics by contacting university officials, faculty, and others.
• Prepares and contributes to reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on strategic initiatives.
• Analyzes and manages sensitive issues for the office with discretion and confidentiality.
• Reviews contracts and agreements, summarizes key terms, and tracks compliance.
• Determines office priorities, secures temporary help as needed, and designs and implements policies, procedures, and systems to enhance efficiency.
• Oversees the preparation of correspondence, reports, nominations, recommendations, and other materials.
• Conducts budgetary and cost analyses on office activities; supervises financial activities and develops systems for tracking expenditures.
• Manages calendars, prioritizes activities, and ensures flexibility; prepares meeting materials, presentations, and speeches in advance.
• Oversees the coordination of events and special projects for the office.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to manage complex issues and represent the department in various contexts.
• Highly developed organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to design and implement policies and procedures to enhance office efficiency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior-level administrative or executive setting, including supervisory roles.
• Experience working in an academic or similar environment with a strong understanding of administrative processes and event management.
• Advanced computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Zoom, and internet search engines.
• Familiarity with managing project budgets, VIP visitors, and high-profile events.
• Knowledge of federal or foundation grant processes and requirements.

Pay

Salary range: $68,000.00 - $120,500.00.

Schedule

Full time, on-site.