Chief of Staff

CHIEF OF STAFF

To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

This position will close at 5:00 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday, July 28. Applications must be submitted by that time to be considered.

The Chief of Staff serves as a primary strategic advisor and trusted proxy to the President of Kirkwood Community College. This executive leadership role operates at the intersection of institutional strategy, community engagement, and government relations.

The position is bifurcated into two primary areas of impact: 70% of the executive's focus is dedicated to executing presidential initiatives, driving special projects, and acting as a high-level proxy for the President; 30% of the focus is dedicated to advancing Kirkwood's legislative agenda at the local, state, and federal levels.

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional political acumen, deep experience in higher education or public administration, strong communication skills, and the ability to professionally represent the President in high-stakes environments. Demonstrated ability to act as an effective proxy, possessing the maturity and poise to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

This position works on-site at the Main Campus in Cedar Rapids. The typical schedule is 8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional travel.

UNIVERSAL

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

Institutional Leadership & Presidential Proxy (70%)

• Executive Proxy & Liaison:
  Act as a primary point of contact and proxy for the President with internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, Cabinet members, community leaders, and county leadership councils. Ensure alignment across all executive communications.
• Board and President's Office Management:
  Serve as Board Secretary for the elected board and Kirkwood Facilities Foundation. In collaboration with President, develop board agendas and materials. Oversee the daily operations of the President's Office including supervising the Executive Assistant, who supports both the President and Chief of Staff.
• Strategic Project Management:
  Direct and execute high-priority, complex initiatives on behalf of the President's Office.
• Cabinet & Meeting Integration:
  Drive the agenda for Cabinet and executive-level meetings, ensuring that decision-making processes are efficient, recommendations are vetted, and action items are tracked to completion.
• Executive Advisory:
  Synthesize complex data, financial overviews, and policy briefings to advise the President on critical institutional risks, operational priorities, and resource alignment.
• Crisis & Issues Management:
  Troubleshoot and resolve highly sensitive, confidential, or escalated matters on behalf of the President, utilizing exceptional diplomacy and judgment.

Legislative & Government Relations (30%)

• Legislative Advocacy:
  Serve as the institution's primary point of contact for local, state, and federal legislators and staffers. Actively advocate for Kirkwood's interests.
• Policy & Fiscal Analysis:
  In coordination with state and federal association partners; monitor and analyze state and federal legislation, fiscal notes, and administrative rules. Collaborate with Cabinet colleagues to quantify their operational and budgetary impacts on Kirkwood.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Events:
  Design and execute strategic advocacy initiatives, campus legislative visits, annual legislative reception, and coordination with Community Colleges for Iowa and national bodies such as the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) for Day on Hill visits.

PERFORMANCE…