Chief of Staff

The Deputy Chief of Staff for office operations serves as the operational leader within the Office of the President, translating executive priorities into daily operational excellence. Reporting directly to the President's Chief of Staff, this role focuses on internal office operations-overseeing operating frameworks, leading the administrative support team, streamlining business processes, and managing project portfolios. The position acts as a bridge between presidential strategy and initiatives and the internal administrative execution, ensuring the office operates with agility, efficiency, discretion, and strategic alignment.

Key Responsibilities

Internal Office Operations & Administrative Leadership (50%)

• Direct internal office operations, managing facilities, space utilization, local budget tracking, technology integration, and HR logistics.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for executive administrative support staff, fostering a high-performing, service-oriented team culture.
• Establish, refine, and maintain operating frameworks to ensure consistent responsiveness, standardized workflows, and reliable follow-through across all administrative functions.
• Maintain high standards of confidentiality, discretion, and integrity when managing sensitive information and complex executive issues.
• Establish and maintain a culture of collaboration across the administrative teams that support the University's senior leadership team (including vice presidents, chancellors, collegiate deans, etc.)
• Serve as the office's University policy expert through advising team members and participating in policy review, consultation, and revision processes on behalf of the Office of the President.

Executive Support & Workflow Alignment (30%)

• Partner with the deputy chiefs of staff to align internal workflows, presidential meeting preparations, and briefing materials that directly support the president's strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Manage operational logistics, travel arrangements, and expense reimbursements, ensuring strict compliance with University policies.
• Serve as an internal operational liaison to other University leaders and administrative staff to resolve issues and administrative bottlenecks.

Project Management & Continuous Improvement (20%)

• Lead concurrent internal office projects and operational initiatives, ensuring accountability, clear timelines, and systematic tracking of commitments.
• Apply Lean principles and continuous improvement frameworks to streamline administrative processes, eliminate redundant workflows, modernize technology usage, and create a culture of continuous improvement.
• Establish operational dashboards and reporting mechanisms to track progress on internal office goals.
• Represent the Office of the President on internal committees and operational matters as needed and requested.

Work Hours

• 7:45am - 4:30pm

Work Mode

• In-person Currently, 4 days in the office - Mondays - Thursdays, with Friday remote, based on business need. Occasional evening and weekend flexibility based on operational needs, including on-site staffing for 2-3 home football games during the fall season. Subject to change as dictated by business needs.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, higher education administration, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible administrative and operations experience within a complex organization.
• Experience leading, supervising, coaching, and evaluating teams and staff.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management and continuous process improvement.
• Demonstrated experience handling executive-level administrative operations.
• Exceptional written/oral communication skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Higher Education Leadership.
• PMP, Lean/Six Sigma, or Change Management (e.g., Prosci) certification.
• Prior experience within a higher education institution or major public system, with knowledge of institutional governance structure.

Pay Range: $120,000 - $140,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment; 12 month

Position Type: 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Please include a resume and cover letter for a complete application.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.