Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President and Provost

Position Summary
The Chief of Staff (CoS) reports to and provides direct strategic support to the Executive Vice President and Provost (Provost) in addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office, including supervising staff, to ensure all responsibilities of the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP office) are met in a timely and effective manner. The CoS provides strategic advice and counsel, possesses a high level of integrity, and demonstrates discretion in sensitive and confidential matters.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary strategic advisor to the Provost, anticipating and keeping the Provost apprised of significant issues and identifying solutions to ensure effective resolution.
• Assists the Provost in planning and coordinates the execution of the EVPP office's strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Coordinate engagement among the Twin Cities collegiate deans, vice provosts, and other units and leaders that report to the Provost as they relate to strategic and operational matters including agenda setting, project management/tracking, and follow-up on action items as needed.
• Direct the operations of the EVPP Office including management of department budget/finance and human resources; supervise EVPP Office professional staff.
• Coordinates and monitors assignments among the EVPP Office professional staff and cross-functional teams, where appropriate.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with University leaders, faculty governance groups, staff, students, and external partners.
• Assist in the development and execution of communications strategy on behalf of the Provost and the EVPP Office, working in close collaboration with University Marketing Communications; proactively communicating with reporting units and key stakeholder groups on both regular and emerging issues.
• Represent the EVPP Office University-wide through service on committees, task forces, and councils.
• Maintain a constant interface with University leaders, the Twin Cities Deans Council, vice provosts, and other units that report to the Provost to ensure clear bi-directional communication between the Provost/EVPP Office and those units.
• Participate in activities with fellow Chiefs of Staff across the University.
• Interface with academic leaders from across the system as well as the Chiefs of Staff for the chancellors of the other UMN campuses.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 12 years of related experience.
• A track record of leading and delivering complex projects and developing and maintaining key partnerships.
• Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels of the organization to promote and gain approval for ideas and plans.
• Demonstrated strength in critical and strategic thinking.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, resourcefulness and ingenuity.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to strategic thinking while also being able to accomplish tactical tasks in a timely and effective manner.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and delegate effectively.
• Experience handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations.
• Ability to collaborate with and in some cases convene teams that include participants from other areas of the unit and organization to integrate the deliverables of the functions and achieve common goals to successfully support the mission of the University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced or professional degree.
• Experience supporting a senior leader within a complex, decentralized organization.
• Understanding of the culture, organization, systems, and practices of higher education at a research-intensive university.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the University of Minnesota or a similar complex higher education institution.
• Experience with strategic project planning and/or change management.

Pay Range: $190,000 - $253,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the 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

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).