Chief of Staff to President

About This Role

Kansas State University (K-State) invites nominations and applications for the role of Chief of Staff to the President (COS).

Reporting to the President, the next COS will serve as President Richard Linton's senior advisor and essential partner for advancing institutional priorities, enhancing organizational alignment, and ensuring effective execution of presidential initiatives.

Located in Manhattan, KS, the Chief of Staff will operate at the center of institutional leadership, helping to translate the President's vision into action while ensuring that the President's time, attention, and influence are focused on the university's highest-impact opportunities.

The Chief of Staff will provide counsel on complex issues, anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities, and prepare the President for successful engagement across a wide range of internal and external settings.

This individual will play a critical role in coordinating across senior leadership, fostering alignment, and ensuring follow-through on key institutional priorities and commitments.

The Chief of Staff will also lead special projects and institutional initiatives on behalf of the President, bringing structure, accountability, and momentum to efforts that span multiple units and stakeholders.

Additionally, the role serves as a key connector between the President and the broader university and external community, strengthening relationships with faculty, staff, students, governing boards, community partners, and public officials.

Entering at a pivotal moment, the successful candidate will bring strategic acumen, exceptional judgment, and a deep commitment to the institutional mission to support K‑State's upward trajectory.

This position is On‑site
.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and ten years of experience providing senior-level strategic, operational and advisory support with demonstrated experience supporting executive leadership, managing complex initiatives, coordinating across multiple leaders or units, and exercising sound judgment in sensitive or confidential matters.
• Requires a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (master's, doctorate, or equivalent terminal degree).
• Senior leadership experience in higher education, particularly in a public, land‑grant, or research‑intensive institution.
• Prior experience working directly with a president, chancellor, governing board, or cabinet‑level executive.
• Demonstrated success managing cross‑functional, institution‑wide projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience with cabinet coordination and executive agenda development.
• Experience representing executive leadership with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, alumni, donors, or military partners.
• Strong understanding of shared governance, board relations, and public accountability environments.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience supporting speeches, briefings, and executive correspondence.
• Demonstrated political and organizational acumen, with the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics.
• Experience coordinating executive‑level communications across units or in partnership with a central communications function.

Sponsorship Eligibility: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range: $225,000 - $260,000