Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor Strategic Initiatives - Duluth

About The Job

The Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives – Duluth 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 and serves as a primary liaison with the University of Minnesota, President’s Office.

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
  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 supporting the setting of agendas for senior leadership meetings and follow‑up items.
• Operational Leadership:
  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 Chancellor’s Office team on projects, events, and special projects.
• Communication and Coordination:
  Coordinate effective communication in partnership with University Marketing and Public Relations to facilitate information sharing across the university. Organize and develop reports, presentations, and other materials for the chancellor in partnership with other units. Apprise the chancellor of significant issues and ensure multiple perspectives are presented accurately and objectively to identify solutions.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders; support the chancellor in engaging with the university community, regional community, industry partners, non‑profit organizations, and campus units.
• Represent the chancellor in meetings and events as needed.
• University of Minnesota Engagement:
  Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with the University of Minnesota President’s Office and other system partners. Provide strategic advice and counsel related to the university's strategic roadmap and University of Minnesota priorities with Chief of Staff colleagues from the President’s Office and the Chancellor’s Offices on Rochester, Crookston, and Morris campuses.

• BA/BS with at least ten years of experience.
• Experience leading a team to achieve strategic initiatives.
• Experience in complex project management.

• Doctoral or master’s 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, generating respect and results through productive relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations.
• Ability to convene multi‑faceted teams to achieve common goals that support the university mission.
• Demonstrated strength in critical and strategic thinking, listening well, and asking 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, summarize meetings, and use AI as a tool for efficiency.

Pay Range: $160,000–$175,000 annually; depending on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100%…