Chief of Staff, Penn Libraries

Chief of Staff, Penn Libraries University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world‑renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey.

Penn has 12 highly‑regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Chief of Staff, Penn Libraries

Director D, Curatorial, Library

Reporting to the H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, the Chief of Staff serves as a critical advisor and member of the Penn Libraries’ senior leadership team, and provides leadership for the Libraries' strategic planning and strategic communications functions. The Chief of Staff provides high‑level support to the Vice Provost on a range of strategic and operational initiatives that are essential to the Libraries' mission and impact.

The role ensures that major priorities, including the advancement and implementation of the Libraries' strategic plan, high‑level executive communications and institutional messaging, and the coordination of leadership activities, are moved forward consistently and effectively. The Chief of Staff directly supervises the Director of Strategic Communications and the Strategic Planning Officer.

The Chief of Staff works closely with internal and external partners, including senior leadership across the Libraries and the University, and collaborates extensively with Development and other administrative partners. This includes deep partnership with four Associate Vice Provosts, the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Director of Development, and other senior leaders to strategize, implement, and communicate the Vice Provost’s priorities. The position plays a central role in preparing the Vice Provost for speeches, events, and presentations, coordinating to ensure the success of each event the Vice Provost attends, and shaping agendas and follow-through for the Libraries' Leadership Team.

This role requires exceptional judgment, strategic thinking, strong people leadership, and the ability to manage complex initiatives and functions in a fast‑paced academic environment.

Candidates are encouraged to review the Penn Libraries' strategic plan, Knowledge forLife.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice Provost, providing analysis, insight, and recommendations on strategic and operational matters.
• Prepare high-impact speeches, remarks, talking points, and written communications for major engagements, events, and presentations.
• Oversee and reinforce all messaging…