Title: Chief of Staff

Institution: Volunteer State Community College

Job Summary:

The Chief of Staff (CoS) is a key strategic partner and advisor to the President, ensuring the effective execution of institutional priorities. This role oversees Marketing, Communications, and Media Services and serves as a connector across divisions to align operations with the College’s strategic goals. The CoS plays a pivotal role in Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM), Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) funding formula, and the development and execution of 1-, 3-, and 5-year strategic plans for institutional success. The CoS will enhance the President’s effectiveness by streamlining operations, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving initiatives to build a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous growth.

Job Duties:

Strategic Planning and Institutional Success: Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of 1-, 3-, and 5-year strategic plans, ensuring alignment with the College’s mission and long-term goals. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive the SEM Plan, focusing on retention, completion, and student success. Work with THEC funding metrics to maximize Vol State’s state funding by aligning institutional initiatives with completion and student success outcomes. Develop cross-departmental strategies that align with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and THEC priorities for funding and program expansion. Marketing, Communications, and Media Services: Oversee the Marketing, Communications, and Media Services department, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities. Develop and execute a comprehensive communication strategy, ensuring transparency and engagement across the College community. Draft key communications on behalf of the President and leadership team. Enhance internal and external messaging to strengthen Vol State’s brand and community presence. Cross-Departmental Alignment and Operational Efficiency: Align cross-functional teams to support institutional priorities and strategic initiatives. Develop tracking systems for performance metrics (KPIs) and ensure data-driven decision-making. Facilitate project management processes to enhance efficiency and accountability. Work closely with faculty, staff, and leadership to identify and resolve institutional challenges proactively. Government, Industry, and Community Relations: Engage with state and local officials, business leaders, and educational partners to support workforce development initiatives. Strengthen partnerships with Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) and four-year institutions for articulation agreements and student pathways. Support policy advocacy and funding opportunities at the municipal, state, and federal levels. Professional Development and Institutional Growth: Partner with Human Resources to implement faculty and staff professional development initiatives. Lead onboarding processes for new employees to ensure alignment with the College’s mission and strategic priorities. Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging institutional innovation and best practices. Presidential and Leadership Support: Ensure the President is informed and equipped with relevant institutional insights for decision-making. Represent the President at internal and external meetings, events, and engagements when needed. Lead special projects assigned by the President, with a focus on institutional success and stakeholder engagement. Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree.
Seven years in a senior administrative, strategic, or advisory role.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in higher education administration, business administration, public administration, communications, or a related field.
Experience within a higher education setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strategic vision to align operations with institutional goals.
Expertise in higher education funding models (THEC funding formula).
Ability to develop and execute strategic enrollment and institutional growth plans.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong project management and operational efficiency expertise.
Proficiency in data analysis and tracking performance metrics (KPIs).
Discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
Must be a willing advocate of the mission of the college.

Pay Rate: $82,330 - $102,912 annual salary depending on experience

Volunteer State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance:  Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in Health)
• Educational Assistance:  Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options:  State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401K with up to $50/month match, 403b, and 457
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year
• Annual Leave (if applicable)
• Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Applicants may be subject to a background check.