Chief of Staff

About the Job

The Chief of Staff provides strategic and operational leadership for the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, directing and overseeing the department's administrative, financial, human resources, facilities, and business operations in alignment with priorities established by the Department Head.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the Chief of Staff leads and develops the administrative team, ensures effective execution of departmental operations, and manages complex projects and initiatives on behalf of the Department Head. The position is responsible for translating departmental priorities into operational strategies, coordinating resources, and advancing initiatives that support the department's academic, research, and service missions.

The Chief of Staff serves as a trusted advisor to the Department Head on strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, financial stewardship, and administrative matters. The position requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across faculty, staff, students, and college leadership.

Job Duties

* 60% - Strategic, Operational, and Administrative Leadership

* Serve as the Department Head's primary administrative partner, providing leadership and oversight for the department's operational, financial, human resources, facilities, and communications functions.

* Draft communications, reports, presentations, etc. on behalf of the Department Head that are aligned with departmental priorities.

* Responsible for internal communications to staff and faculty regarding policy and process reminders or updates.

* Ensure the effective and efficient delivery of administrative services in support of the department's teaching, research, and service missions.

* Identify opportunities to improve processes, customer service, organizational effectiveness, and resource utilization; lead implementation of operational improvements and related documentation updates.

* Assess staffing needs, organizational structures, and employee performance; recommend and implement strategies to enhance effectiveness and operational efficiency.

* Lead and coordinate special projects, initiatives, and departmental priorities as assigned by the Department Head.

* Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture that promotes employee engagement and professional growth.

* Convene and lead regular administrative staff meetings (like staff meetings and supervisor meetings) to support coordination, communication, and continuous improvement.

* Advance departmental commitments to inclusion and belonging through operational practices, employee development, and organizational decision-making.

* Represent and advocate for departmental interests with collegiate and University partners, as appropriate.

* 20% - Human Resources Administration and Staff Development

* Serve as the department's advisor on University, collegiate, and departmental human resources policies, procedures, and practices, including the Graduate Student Collective Bargaining Agreement.

* Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and employee transitions for faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, and student employees.

* Support supervisors through training, consultation, and regular meetings focused on employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.

* Supervise and develop the department's administrative team, including professionals responsible for finance, academic programs, communications, operations, faculty affairs, and administrative support.

* Supervise direct reports, establish performance expectations, conduct annual performance evaluations, and oversee departmental performance management processes.

* Provide oversight and coordination for the annual merit review process through the Performance Management System.

* Advise staff supervisors on employee relations matters, organizational changes, and workforce planning initiatives.

* 10% - Financial Management and Resource Planning

* Partner with the Finance Manager to oversee departmental financial operations and advise the Department Head on budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and long-range fiscal strategy.

* Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of departmental financial performance, including revenues, expenses, foundation funds, and financial commitments, and provide leadership with regular analysis, reporting, forecasting, and recommendations.

* Oversee administration of scholarships, fellowships, instructional fees, and course fees through supervision and coordination of staff across finance and student services functions.

* 5% - Facilities, Space, and Equipment Administration

* Serve as the Department's Facilities Representative (DFR) and provide oversight of departmental space, facilities, and equipment management.

* Partner with Space & Security Specialist to assess facility, space, and infrastructure needs and advise the Department Head on priorities and…