Chief of Staff

Department:
Office of the President Salary/Hourly $90,000.00 Annual Union/Position Status: SES Posting Closing Date:
August 16, 2026 Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM the evening before the posting closing date. Please note that the posting will close at midnight (12:00 AM) on the posting closing date.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
Reporting directly to the President, the Chief of Staffis a 12 month position, reporting to the President of the College and assuming responsibility for a broad range of support for the office, including oversight of all operations of the President’s Office and ensuring effective implementation of initiatives on behalf of the President.

The Chief of Staff works collaboratively with the executive leadership team of the College on high-level institutional matters to effectively manage personnel matters, facilities concerns, and fiscal affairs, assists in building community and governmental relations and is chiefly in charge of institutional policy. The Chief of Staffwill assist the institution’s Chief Executive Officer in managing the Office of the President and advancing the leadership agenda through coordinated planning with the senior management team, engagement in state and federal governmental relations and through various assignments and special projects.

The Chief of Staff is a senior advisor to the President on significant and sensitive issues and playsa critical role in strategic planning, decision-making, and execution of decisions.

Directs the operational, financial, and administrative affairs of the Office of the President, including development and management of the annual operating budget and Board of Trustees budget allocations. Serves as a senior advisor to the President, exercising delegated authority to make decisions, resolve issues, and provide counsel on institutional operations, management, policy, and strategic priorities. Leads, coordinates, and monitors high-priority institutional initiatives, special projects, and presidential priorities, ensuring effective execution, cross-divisional collaboration, accountability, and follow-through on critical decisions.

Serves as the President's liaison to vice presidents, academic deans, faculty, staff, students, governance groups, and external constituencies to facilitate communication, collaboration, and implementation of institutional priorities. Provides leadership for government relations, legislative initiatives, external relations, community partnerships, and engagement with business, industry, and other stakeholders in support of College initiatives. In collaboration with the Communications Office, oversees the President's strategic communications, executive messaging, and institutional marketing initiatives;

drafts speeches, correspondence, reports, and other executive communications. Supports the President's work with the SUNY System Administration, Board of Trustees, and other governing bodies by coordinating annual reports, governance materials, policy initiatives, committee support, and other required assignments. Maintains the President's webpage and related social media posts Supervises the Coordinator of Campus Events, oversees the institutional Master Calendar and major campus events, represents the President at College and community functions as appropriate, and coordinates the honorary degree nomination process.

Conducts President's Office staff meetings, supervises and evaluates assigned staff, promotes effective office operations and communication, attends College Senate meetings to remain informed of institutional initiatives and policy matters. Performs related duties as required across all campus locations.

Comprehensive knowledge of higher education administration, governance, strategic planning, institutional policy, budgeting, organizational operations, and governmental relations. Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership by exercising sound judgment, political acumen, discretion, and the highest level of integrity when managing confidential and sensitive information. Exceptional leadership, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives, balance long-term strategic priorities with urgent operational demands, and ensure timely execution of presidential priorities.

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills with the ability to assess complex issues, develop strategic recommendations, and drive institutional outcomes. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive correspondence, speeches, reports, presentations, and policy documents for a variety of audiences. Outstanding interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work strategically and cooperatively in a team environment and develop productive working…