Chief of Staff
The Office of the Provost seeks an experienced and exceptional individual to serve as the Chief of Staff.
The Chief of Staff will manage the short- and long-term critical priorities, initiatives, and activities that relate to academic affairs as directed by the Provost. The Chief of Staff will represent the interests and priorities of the Office of the Provost through effective communication, coordination, and integration of objectives. This position will report directly to the Provost, and the duties will be assigned and performed under the direction and purview of the Provost.
The Chief of Staff will be responsible for an array of duties. The duties will involve the following: lead or advance initiatives by creating implementation plans in a coordinated and strategic manner; oversee and track strategic initiatives and processes; conduct research, recommend actions, and provide advice to the Provost on complicated, sensitive and confidential issues; and execute projects that require the utmost confidentiality and/or urgency for the University. This position will also serve as a liaison and resource with other University units and external agencies. As the liaison for the Office of the Provost, the Chief of Staff will work closely and collaboratively with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Marketing & Communications to respond to critical inquiries and manage and facilitate communication between the office and other members of University Administration, faculty, staff, state and federal agencies, and others as needed or requested. The Chief of Staff will intervene as necessary to solve problems in a proactive and positive manner, ensuring collaboration with relevant stakeholders and adherence to state and federal laws and policies of the University and Board of Trustees. The Chief of Staff will act as a confidential sounding board and close advisor to the Provost.
Candidates for Chief of Staff must possess a Master’s degree; a minimum of five years professional work experience in higher education; and proven ability to work effectively using sound judgement, confidentiality, and discretion in decision making. Essential to the position are strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen to alternative points of view and develop policies and solutions to problems that are in the best long-term interest of the University. This also includes the ability to apply wise judgment. Candidates must have excellent analytical, writing, and verbal communication skills; be familiar with University policies and procedures; have the ability to think strategically while balancing several complex agendas; be resilient and self-motivated; and be culturally sensitive and understand how to effectively interact with a wide range of people with a positive and inclusive teamwork mindset.
For fullest consideration, please complete an electronic application, including a letter of interest that clearly sets out qualifications and reasons for seeking the position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for a minimum of three references by Friday, April 14, 2023, addressed to search committee chair Mike Stieff, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. Nominations, questions or concerns may be directed to Tyler Nielsen: (312) 413-3456 | pniels2@uic.edu.
The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, Veteran or disability status.
The University of Illinois conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899