Chief of Staff to Provost

Type of Position:

Administrative Strategy

No

Regular

Day Shift (United States of America)

No

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

The University of Arkansas invites applications for the Chief of Staff to the Provost, a key leadership role supporting strategic priorities. The Chief of Staff to the Provost serves as a senior advisor and trusted partner to the Provost. This position supports the advancement of academic and institutional priorities by facilitating coordination, communication, and implementation across the units reporting to the Provost.

This position is well-suited for a professional with strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments while advancing high-impact work.

The Chief of Staff to the Provost serves as a senior advisor and trusted partner to the Provost. This position supports the advancement of academic and institutional priorities by facilitating coordination, communication, and implementation across the units reporting to the Provost.

Acting with delegated authority on behalf of the Provost, the Chief of Staff works closely with Vice Provosts, Deans, and other academic leaders to ensure alignment of initiatives, effective follow-through on key priorities, and thoughtful engagement with the university’s shared governance processes. The Chief of Staff also supports the Provost in navigating and maintaining effective relationships with external partners, University of Arkansas System leaders, and other key stakeholders, coordinating with the appropriate university offices to promote alignment and advance institutional priorities.

The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in ensuring coordination of communications, requests, and matters directed to or originating from the Office of the Provost. The position assesses and routes inquiries, facilitates timely and appropriate responses, and ensures that communications involving the Provost’s Office are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with university priorities. This role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate a complex, decentralized academic environment.

Regular, non-disruptive and reliable attendance is required, as well as the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least four years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, government, or a similarly complex organization
• At least two years supporting or working directly with senior leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading or…