Position Summary

Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences is establishing a new role of chief of staff. The chief of staff is a high impact leader who plays a key role in partnering and advising the dean and college leadership to drive the college’s strategic vision. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who embodies a blend of strategic vision and practical execution skills with an ability to effectively collaborate with other senior leaders to manage, monitor, implement and evaluate complex initiatives.   This dynamic role will play a crucial role in advancing a diverse portfolio of strategic initiatives to ensure progress towards the college and university academic mission.

This position has opportunity for a hybrid working schedule with a minimum of three days per week in-office. Remote work agreements are continuously assessed based on the needs of the organization and follow policies and guidelines provided by the College of Communication Arts & Sciences and Michigan State University.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Strategic advisor and partner to the Dean, Partner with college leadership team, Liaison to external stakeholders (80%)

• Full-cycle development to implementation and execution of diverse strategic special initiatives and projects in consultation with the dean.
• Work alongside the dean and ComArtSci’s leadership team to streamline and achieve college and institutional-level activities and goals.
• Provides strategic analysis and recommendations to the dean; keeping the dean apprised of significant issues and identifies approaches to resolve issues exercising exceptional discretion with confidential information.
• Represents the dean in high-stakes meetings, articulating and advancing the college’s priorities with clarity, diplomacy, and purpose.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives. Regularly tracks the progress of critical initiatives, ensuring projects stay on schedule with clear accountability and deliverables.
• Leads planning and implementation of dean’s office events and engagements
• Major strategic areas include but are not limited to: Esports including oversight of the Director of Esports, Teaching and Learning, and a variety of revenue generating initiatives.

Facility, Space, and Emergency Management (10%)

• Serve as primary contact for space related executive planning. Work alongside the Senior Associate Dean for Research and ComArtSci’s Facilities team to facilitate research and college spaces.
• Develop and coordinate ComArtSci’s emergency action strategies, including liaising with emergency teams and updating emergency manuals.
• Ensure the security and safety of ComArtSci spaces, managing access, and serving as emergency contact.

Community & University Relations (5%)

• Represent the dean and ComArtSci in university, college, and external committees.
• Engage with diverse university stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and collaborative projects.
• Promote ComArtSci initiatives and foster partnerships for campus-wide projects.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Accounting, Management, Communication or Communication related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in financial management and analysis, personnel management, and computer systems use and development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Skill in working with campus stakeholders in a climate of openness and transparency, integrity, trust, mutual respect, and collaborative problem solving.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills with an ability to speak to a variety of audiences, transforming ambiguity into clarity; excellent listening skills, and the capacity and willingness to engage in intellectual debate and discussion.
• Proven record of inspiring and leading teams, particularly in academic or high-stakes environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work alongside colleagues at all levels, respectfully and inclusively to foster a positive environment that promotes employee engagement and recognized their contributions.
• Ability to model a commitment of personal growth and development and nurturing others' talents through strong mentoring, coaching, and team building.

Desired Qualifications

• An advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
• Higher education experience is strongly preferred with an understanding of academic structure or academic governance.
• 8 years or more experience in strategic planning, project management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multidisciplinary workflows.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, capable of fostering relationships across all levels of the institution.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to managing institutional challenges and opportunities.
• Personal and professional ethics and integrity
• Impeccable judgment (sensitivity and discretion) in handling confidential materials and situations
• High degree of energy, initiative, and organization; self-confidence, creativity, and willingness to take risks and develop and evaluate new programs with knowledge of national best practices, including the ability to use research, data, and assessment to guide decision-making.
• Approachable, optimistic, and seeking solutions with intellectual curiosity and generosity of spirit, a positive can-do attitude, and strong resilience in the face of challenge or criticism.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

A complete application will consist of resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references. 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://comartsci.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends November 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM