Chief of Staff, College of Engineering

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Context Of Job
The College of Engineering (CoE) is one of the most complex academic units on campus with a broad range of departments, interdisciplinary centers, research institutes, and programs. The primary purpose of the Sr. Advisor (Chief of Staff) is to support the Dean in leading the short- and long-term priorities, initiatives and activities that relate to the academic, strategic and operational imperatives of the CoE.

This position will be an advisory position to the Dean and members of CoE senior leadership team, as appropriate. The incumbent will proactively develop programs and initiatives to achieve and maintain an effective and efficient environment within the CoE.
The incumbent will serve as a conduit of information and will advise the Dean on key initiatives, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, internal and external constituents, faculty, staff and students to support the Dean with a wide range of highly confidential, complex, and sensitive executive, advisory and strategic duties. The Sr. Advisor will represent the interests and priorities of the Dean and CoE and serve as a key liaison between the Dean’s Office and internal and external constituents.

Major Responsibilities

• Facilitate the Dean’s executive functions by advising on key constituencies, providing context and background information on issues, and coordinating research, projects, meetings and initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the College of Engineering Leadership Team and work closely with the Dean and other senior administrators to support institutional responsibilities.
• Hire, supervise and train Dean’s Office staff, creating workflows and projects that anticipate or respond to needs of the Dean and college.
• Collaborate with staff, faculty and students across the UD campus to accomplish projects and support achievement of the UD strategic plan and its goals.
• Act as the Dean’s primary strategic liaison to internal and external constituencies and committees, representing the Dean as needed.
• Manage the Dean’s engagements; advise on strategy and briefing materials, and prepare for delivering messages to various stakeholders.
• Strengthen relationships with Associate Deans, Chairs, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other campus units in support of the Dean.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and programs to promote the vision and direction of the Dean and College of Engineering.
• Help plan, develop policy, and resolve problems; provide advice and insights to the Dean for decision-making.
• Analyze, research, and gather information for the Dean’s briefings; brief the Dean on projects, meetings, and appearances.
• Evaluate college programs or functions, policies and procedures, identify issues, and develop alternative solutions.
• Oversee and manage college initiatives and projects, using project management tools and methodologies, and track deliverables and timelines.
• Gather and interpret data to coordinate and implement plans and initiatives to further the goals of the college.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred, especially PhD.
• Working knowledge of university administration is essential.
• Seven years of management experience required, preferably in a highly complex, matrixed organization such as a research university.
• Understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and the higher‑education regulatory environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising stewardship and cultivation programs, and best practices.
• Highly sophisticated writing and synthesis skills; ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated ability to create, compose, and edit correspondence, briefings, talking points and other written materials.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in a diverse setting.
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, conduct thorough fact‑finding inquiries, and articulate sound solutions.
• Ability to hire, supervise, and train employees.
• Strong organizational, operational and management skills, including strategic planning, writing, project management, and coordination of groups.
• Leadership experience in complex academic institutions; ability to lead initiatives, improve quality outcomes, and foster collaboration and a positive work environment.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities; skill in budget preparation and managing budgetary expenditures for compliance with approved budget.