The Chief of Staff serves as a key advisor and strategic partner to the Senior Counselor, assisting in the execution of the Senior Counselor’s portfolio and priorities. The Chief of Staff also leads high-impact, high-visibility projects and other initiatives at the direction of the Senior Counselor. Reporting directly to the Senior Counselor, this position will draw upon broad concepts and ideas to continuously augment strategic projects and planning for institutional priorities, develop cross-functional action plans, drive results and measure success and impact to inform future planning and work. The Chief of Staff executes strategic level decisions ensuring stakeholders have the necessary resources and capacity to meet project objectives.
 

About the Work Unit:

The Office of the Chancellor at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues.
 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Serve as a strategic counsel and trusted thought partner to the Senior Counselor by offering candid feedback, constructive input, and recommendations on overall strategy, key decisions, and initiatives based on knowledge and experience. Act as a designee of the Senior Counselor, interacting frequently with stakeholders by making high level decisions and providing direction on behalf of the Senior Counselor. Oversee and drive initiatives while representing and communicating the Senior Counselor’s vision and strategy with both the internal team and all stakeholders. Assess inquiries from outside stakeholders or other levels of leadership directed at the Senior Counselor to determine the necessary decision maker. Where appropriate liaise with the appropriate personnel, to ensure issues are addressed properly, efficiently and within jurisdiction. Monitor initiatives and strategic projects established by the Senior Counselor to ensure timely, accurate and successful completion. Identify key measures of success and drive for results in each project or initiative while also assessing and reporting on progress and impact to leadership and other stakeholders. Identify measures of success for the Senior Counselor’s portfolio and continuously evaluate the impact of projects and initiatives as they relate to the portfolio’s goals and priorities. Synthesize complex information and data into concise briefings and presentations for the Senior Counselor, enabling informed decision making. Hire, develop and mentor staff to ensure all reporting units have the skills and capabilities to achieve success. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position will have supervisory responsibility over defined teams and key staff; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Counselor.
 

Education and Certifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary. Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:
 

A minimum of ten years of experience with five years serving in a strategic role is necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communications, listening skills is required. Ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, and Outlook) is required. Evidence of exceptional judgment and decision-making skills is necessary. Demonstrated ability to handle high level sensitive and confidential information is necessary. Ability to think strategically to manage multiple projects/initiatives with changing priorities and strict deadlines in a rapidly changing environment is necessary. Evidence of working with multiple diverse constituencies in a confident and supportive manner is necessary. Demonstrated knowledge of current issues and challenges in higher education is necessary.