Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff

Summary: The VP for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff manages the day-to-day operations of the Office of the President and supervises staff members assigned to the Office of the President; provides advanced executive professional support and counsel to the President; handles matters of institutional policy and importance on behalf of the President; serves as the chief liaison between the President and Board of Trustees; manages the implementation and monitoring of the university’s strategic plan; represents the President to key stakeholders; communicates for the President with other executive leaders, campus officials, and community members; manages special projects and events; and supports the work of the First Lady.

Responsibilities:

1. Prioritizes, organizes, and executes the president’s office staff members’ responsibilities, workflows, and general operations. Leads office team meetings.
2. Oversees and manages the budget for the Office of the President.
3. Participates with the President and other senior officers as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Serves as the President’s partner in communicating with Executive Leadership Team members.
4. Organizes, develops agendas, and facilitates meetings of the Executive Leadership Team and President’s Cabinet.
5. In cooperation with the Office of General Counsel, organizes, develops agendas, and prepares materials for meetings of the Board of Trustees and Board of Trustees Executive Committee. Maintains the archival record of the minutes of the Board of Trustees.
6. Serves as the primary liaison and university contact with Trustees.
7. Chairs the University Council and leads in the implementation of the university’s strategic plan.
8. Coordinates and manages special projects on behalf of the President and the university.
9. Responds to routine inquiries as delegated by the President.
10. Develops and reviews strategic communication for the President and provides oversight for Office of the President correspondence.
11. Reviews, researches, and recommends new or revised policies and strategies, as appropriate.
12. Assists with the review of the President’s speeches and talking points.
13. Prepares reports and other communications on behalf of the President.
14. Supports the President in responding to employee and student matters.
15. Represents the President and the University at university, community, and church events, as needed.
16. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Additional attributes and skills required:  

• A mature Christian faith and commitment to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Knowledge of the goals, objectives, structures, and operations of a higher education institution with a Christ-centered mission.
• Demonstrates a humble and generous spirit and ability to listen, learn, and grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.
• Ability to create a welcoming and productive environment in the Office of the President.
• Ability to work independently and make executive-level decisions appropriate to the role.
• Takes appropriate initiative to solve problems and anticipate challenges.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports and presentations.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgements.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures within higher education.
• Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Strategic planning skills and the ability to lead in the articulation and implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge of fundraising programs, methods, and techniques.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit correspondence and other written materials.
• Competency in using Microsoft Office suite of software.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and long hours as needed. Some travel is required.

Minimum education and experience required: Earned master’s degree from an accredited university; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified with preference given to experience in higher education.

Preferred education and experience required: Earned doctoral degree from an accredited university.

Job Description Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature of the job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, and duties.