Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor Strategic Initiatives - Duluth
Listed on 2026-02-06
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Management
Education Administration
About the Job
The chief of staff and assistant vice chancellor for strategy (AVCS) serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader, supporting the chancellor in advancing the university's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Reporting to the chancellor, this role involves coordinating high-level initiatives such as strategic planning, institutional effectiveness efforts, and cross-divisional projects, as well as managing executive communications.
As a key member of the chancellor's senior leadership team, the AVCS supports executive decision-making by summarizing information and providing timely updates on strategic initiatives. The role also fosters collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
The position serves as a primary liaison with the University of Minnesota, President's Office.
Key Responsibilities- Assist the chancellor and the provost in developing and implementing strategic plans.
- Monitor progress on key initiatives and projects to ensure alignment with the university's goals.
- Provide strategic advice and support to the chancellor on a wide range of issues.
- Coordinate activities with the senior leadership team on strategic and operational matters, including but not limited to supporting the setting of agendas for senior leadership meetings, as well as action and follow-up items that result from each meeting.
- Coordinate and manage special projects, initiatives, and commissions as directed by the chancellor.
- Maintain familiarity with budgetary matters related to the chancellor's office.
- Serve as a liaison between the chancellor and other university leaders, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the team in the Chancellor's Office around projects, events, and special projects.
- Coordinate effective communication in partnership with University Marketing and Public Relations that facilitates information sharing across the university.
- Organize and develop reports, presentations, and other materials for the chancellor in partnership with other units at the university.
- Apprise the chancellor on significant issues and ensure that various perspectives are presented accurately and objectively in an effort to identify solutions that lead to effective resolution.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the chancellor in engaging with the university community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.
- Support the chancellor in engaging with the regional community, including industry partners, non-profit organizations, and community events in partnership with campus units and academic departments.
- Represent the chancellor in meetings and events as needed.
- Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with the University of Minnesota President's Office and other system partners as appropriate.
- Provide strategic advice and counsel related to the university's strategic roadmap and other University of Minnesota priorities with Chief of Staff colleagues from the President's Office and the Chancellor's Offices on the Rochester, Crookston, and Morris campuses as well as the University of Minnesota Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- BA/BS with at least ten years of experience
- Experience leading a team to achieve strategic initiatives
- Experience in complex project management
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctoral or masters degree
- Experience supporting a senior leader
- Understanding of the culture, organization, systems, and practices of higher education
- A track record of leading and delivering complex projects and developing and maintaining key partnerships
- Credibility to serve as the chancellor's designee, including generating respect and results through productive relationships in a collaborative campus community
- Demonstrated ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations
- Ability to convene multi-faceted teams to collaborate to achieve common goals that successfully support the mission of the university
- Demonstrated strength in critical and strategic thinking, including the ability to listen well and to ask critical questions
- Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and delegate effectively
- Ability to write professionally, track project progress and summarize meetings, and to use AI as a tool for efficiency
Pay Range: $160,000-$175,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional…
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