Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations

Serves as an operational leader within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP), working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff (AVP/COS) as a trusted advisor and critical operational partner to ensure organizational success. Reporting directly to the AVP/COS, this role translates executive priorities into operational excellence by aligning strategy, people, processes, and performance across the EVPP internal organization. The position bridges executive strategy and frontline execution, providing leadership over operational planning, business processes, cross-functional initiatives, and strategic talent development to ensure strategic priorities are implemented effectively.

Responsibilities

• Leadership, Operations and Strategic Initiatives Management (60%)
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the AVP/COS, advancing EVPP’s priorities through coordinated planning, execution, and leadership.
  • Build and sustain a high-performing, service-oriented team by attracting, developing, coaching, and empowering talent; fostering trust, collaboration, and accountability.
  • Establish, implement, and maintain an operating framework for the Office, ensuring effective workflows, clear processes, and coordinated execution.
  • Oversee office operations, budget management, human resources, organizational planning, technology, facilities, and space utilization in partnership with the AVP/COS.
  • Develop high-impact executive summaries and recommendations from institutional data, policy briefs, and university communications.
  • Act as a key operational liaison between executive leadership, academic deans, and university administrative units to facilitate communication and resolve complex issues.
  • Serve as operational lead in the absence of the AVP/COS, representing the office in high-level university committees and cross-functional meetings.
• Project Management & Strategic Execution (20%)
  • Lead, manage, and execute multiple high-impact projects supporting EVPP’s priorities and university initiatives, ensuring accountability and alignment among stakeholders.
  • Provide senior administrative support for executive searches, coordinating equitable and effective assessment processes for senior leadership positions.
  • Partner with AVP/COS and HR Director to prepare and advise search committees, manage timelines, and serve as EVPP representative throughout the search process.
  • Guide the use of structured project management frameworks to ensure academic initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
  • Evaluate issues, risks, and interdependencies, escalating as needed and providing recommendations with pros and cons.
  • Promote cross-functional collaboration and maintain high-level tracking of action items, deliverables, and commitments.
• Operational Excellence & Lean Transformation (20%)
  • Apply Lean thinking principles to drive adoption of new technologies and automated processes, streamlining administrative operations and eliminating inefficiencies.
  • Design and implement operational frameworks supporting a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Establish operational metrics, dashboards, and routine reporting mechanisms to track progress on strategic priorities.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in business, administration, finance, human resources, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a complex, matrixed environment, ideally in higher education.
• Demonstrated professional experience at the University of Minnesota, with knowledge of its organizational structure, culture, and systems.
• Professional confidence to excel in a behind-the-scenes role, delivering high-impact support and influence.
• Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with senior leaders and stakeholders, influencing decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in leading, empowering, and evaluating administrative and professional staff.
• Experience leading high-impact projects, high-profile events, and meeting deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• High proficiency with project management and tracking tools.
• Ability to navigate sensitive, multi-layered information with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, operations management, higher education administration, or related field (preferred).
• PMP, Lean/Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), or Change Management (e.g., Prosci) certification (highly desired).
• Demonstrated expertise in applying Lean thinking, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks in service, administrative, or higher education environments.

Pay

Pay Range: $132,000.00 - $155,000.00, depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Benefits

• 100% appointment (full-time position).
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs (Regents Tuition Benefit Program).
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
  • University HSA contributions.
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance.
  • Employee wellbeing program.
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity.
  • Financial counseling services.
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost.
  • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.