Chief of Staff

Description

The Chief of Staff (CoS) serves as a strategic advisor to the school President and operational coordinator, managing priorities and supporting executive decision-making on critical institutional issues. The CoS provides executive-level support, managing critical initiatives and coordinating institutional priorities while serving as the primary liaison between the President's office and key stakeholders.

The CoS is a visible partner with school leadership, communities, industry, and organizations to advance collaborative networks that foster local economic and community development and implement the School’s strategic vision. The CoS is focused on coordinating and reporting on projects, providing data and analysis, and demonstrating leadership that translates ideas into operational next steps and action.

• Demonstrated success managing complex projects and initiatives.
• Proven ability to organize complex information to support executive decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to succeed as a persuasive leader without formal authority.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Lead cross-departmental projects that advance strategic priorities and institutional initiatives.
• Manage communications and relationships with the Board of Trustees, including meeting preparation and materials.
• Plan and execute high-profile university initiatives
• Coordinate internal and external communications for the President's office.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication and strategic leadership.
• Translate presidential and institutional priorities into actionable plans, frameworks, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop and maintain institutional dashboards, KPIs, and performance tracking systems
• Manage the portfolio of presidential initiatives with clear scoping, resourcing, and progress reporting to the President.
• Synthesize data and insights into concise analyses and briefing materials for executive decision-making.
• Support scenario planning, risk assessment, and organizational alignment across priorities.
• Serve as the operational backbone of the Office of the President, ensuring smooth execution of planning, meetings, and deliverables.
• Manage leadership team and board meeting cycles, including agenda design, materials, documentation, and follow-up.
• Track institutional action items, drive accountability, and ensure timely progress updates across the leadership team.
• Filter email from the President’s email account to the appropriate leader to address, ensuring DPA compliance with a high level of discretion in sensitive and confidential matters.

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to represent the school with professionalism and knowledge
• Aptitude for creating and delivering engaging presentations
• Capable of communicating effectively with students, staff, and other stakeholders
• Ability to work in and lead in a team environment
• Highly organized with attention to detail and follow-through

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in business, public administration, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education or large organizations.

• Each employee at IYRS is expected to demonstrate the following in the regular performance of his or her job duties:
• Participating in requisite safety training for staff and students
• Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of IYRS
• Adherence to IYRS’s Code of Conduct
• A positive attitude and willingness to contribute productively to the success of the team and the organization
• An understanding of and commitment to the IYRS’s core competencies of accountability, collaboration, communication, institutional values, and service
• Active participation in efforts geared toward directing and improving the overall operations of IYRS, such as strategic planning, organizational development, and performance improvement
• Commitment to acting as an advocate and ambassador for IYRS
• Sense of ownership and pride in personal performance
• Adherence to all existing IYRS policies and procedures