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The Chief of Staff serves as a trusted advisor and key strategic partner to the president, supporting the President’s Staff in executing the president’s vision and priorities. This role requires sound judgment and strong organizational skills to coordinate, problem-solve, and manage initiatives on behalf of the president, working across the President’s Office and with stakeholders throughout the college community. The Chief of Staff ensures the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Office of the President, acts as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees, plans and oversees major communications and events, and represents the president with both internal and external constituents. The Chief of Staff is also responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality of college administration and exercising discretion when communicating sensitive information. This position reports directly to the president and collaborates closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

Duties:

Strategic Advising and Support for the Executive Leadership Team (ELT):
- Provides strategic advice to the president, ensuring she remains informed of significant issues and offering thoughtful recommendations for resolution. Assists the president with ad hoc and emergent matters, collaborating with relevant college offices as needed.
- Helps to develop, plan, coordinate, and lead strategic and special initiatives and projects on behalf of the president.
- Facilitates coordination within the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to implement the president’s priorities effectively.
- Represents the Office of the President at internal and external meetings and forums, supporting relationship-building efforts across the campus and in the broader community.
- Offers strategic counsel on the president’s time and workload to maximize her effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency, while relieving her of select administrative responsibilities.
- Coordinates and manages the search processes for positions that report directly to the president.
- Assists the president with oversight functions, such as review and approval of vacation requests, expense authorizations, personnel action forms, and contract approvals.

Board Relations:
- Ensures an outstanding trustee experience in all aspects of board engagement, setting a high standard for quality and professionalism.
- Manages communications and relationships with the Board of Trustees, including maintaining the board portal and coordinating the flow of information. Crafts and responds to trustee communications and ensures the president is promptly apprised of any substantive correspondence involving trustees.
- Organizes and coordinates the work of the Board of Trustees, including the preparation of agendas, materials, and reports for the board and its committees. Ensures that accurate minutes and records for all board and committee meetings are maintained.
- Oversees the timely and professional production, distribution, and logistics of all trustee-related materials, mailings, meetings, and special events.
- Manages and ensures follow-through on action items emerging from board and committee meetings.
- Reviews, interprets, and implements board policies, including conflict of interest policies, and applies the college’s Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation to specific circumstances as required.
- Represents the president at meetings and events, when requested.

Communication and Events:
- Reviews correspondence and documents prepared by other offices for the president’s signature, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the president’s voice and standards.
- Collects, analyzes, and presents information for reports and records as requested, conducting research, retrieving and compiling data, tabulating statistics, and organizing information in clear, usable formats.
- Oversees coordination of various events and functions assigned to the Office of the President, ensuring professionalism and attention to detail.
- Manages the flow of information between the Office of the President and the broader college community, ensuring timely and effective communication with internal and external audiences.
- Addresses and mediates concerns from campus constituencies when appropriate, and assists individuals in connecting with the appropriate senior leader to ensure responsive service and resolution.

Administration of the Office of the President:
- Assists in the development and management of the Office of the President’s administrative budget, ensuring effective allocation and oversight of resources.
- Recruits, hires, trains, and supervises administrative assistants supporting the Office of the President, providing ongoing coaching, development, assignment oversight, and performance evaluations.
- Oversees all essential administrative functions of the Office of the President, maintaining smooth daily operations.
- Coordinates and sets agendas for meetings of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to support effective communication and follow-through on priorities.
- Performs additional duties as assigned by the president.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Key Competencies:
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to communicate diplomatically and tactfully with a wide range of audiences.
- Proven capacity to handle highly confidential and sensitive information and materials with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise manner and to understand and interpret complex information from others.
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently under pressure and tight deadlines, maintaining a high level of adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with an ability to formulate effective strategies aligned with the mission and vision of Meredith College.
- Collaborative team player who is open to the ideas of others, willing to share perspectives, and committed to organizational goals and interests.
- Outstanding organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task, manage shifting priorities, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Skill in coordinating event planning, meeting logistics, and schedules with precision and thoroughness.
- Ability to develop, implement, and maintain effective office procedures.
- Capacity to anticipate the administrative needs of the president and key administrators.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize, work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks in a professional and organized manner.
- Strong expertise with Google Suite, BoardSpot, and other relevant computer applications, software, and technical systems.
- Ability to collaborate effectively and strategically with personnel at all levels, and with both internal and external stakeholders. Flexibility to work extended or varied hours as needed.
- Ability to resolve or appropriately refer presidential and constituent inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses.

Minimum Education / Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- At least eight years of relevant experience in a high-level academic or executive setting.
Preferred Education / Experience:
- Master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited college or university.
- Ten or more years of demonstrated, relevant experience in a high-level academic or executive setting.

Working Conditions / Equipment:
- Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods.
- Availability to work an on-call schedule as needed.
- Ability to travel to both on-campus and off-campus locations. Valid NC Driver's License and clear driving history required.
- Full-time, 12-month position.
- Occasional night and weekend work required.

Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume / CV