Chief of Staff to President

Job Description

NOTE:

This position is posted Open until Filled, however, to ensure consideration, please apply by February 24.

The Chief of Staff to the President serves as a senior advisor to the President and key member of the university senior leadership team. The position functions as a strategic partner to the Board of Regents, President, Provost, and university senior leadership, helping to ensure effective governance, communication, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment on behalf of the university President.

The Chief of Staff advises, collaborates, and works closely with senior UW leadership on behalf of the President to facilitate executive decision-making that advances the University's mission and aligns with the institution's strategic goals. As a representative of the Executive Office of the President and Provost, this position cultivates a sense of shared purpose within the Executive Office, promotes a positive workplace climate, and proactively prepares the President and the Executive Office team for critical issues and priorities.

Day to day operations of the Executive Office are dynamic, and a high level of professional discretion is crucial to this position and its interactions with senior UW leadership and members of the wider university community.

The Chief of Staff functions as a liaison on behalf of the university President, helping to advance key institutional priorities in a dynamic day-to-day operating environment. The position interacts with a diverse range of internal and external constituencies and must be adept at building and maintaining constructive and positive relationships. The Executive Office is highly visible, striving to provide exceptional service to all who request assistance from the University of Washington.

The Chief of Staff correspondingly encompasses this high level of service.

• In collaboration with the President and the President's direct reports, facilitates decision-making and track progress on key goals. Obtains and organizes data and other information needed to support the functions, initiatives and priorities of the President. Monitors and reports progress. Serves as the President's delegate and representative at meetings as directed to help facilitate timely decision-making and share the perspectives and priorities of the President.
  
  Demonstrates responsiveness and discretion to build trust-based relationships across campus.
• Provides project management and decision support for cross-unit initiatives and issues, including the development of detailed plans and timelines. Facilitates open and constructive communication and workflow among units. Delegates assignments not requiring the President's direct involvement and tracks progress to ensure timely completion.
• As supervisor of the Strategic Initiatives Office, provides strategic guidance and oversight on how to advance and operationalize strategic planning and strategic initiatives on behalf of the President and Provost.
• In partnership with the University Policy and Rules Office and Chief of Staff to the Provost, coordinates, manages and oversees university-wide policy development and implementation.
• In partnership with the Chief of Staff to the Provost, coordinates and participates in senior leadership meetings and retreats, including the preparation of agendas and materials.

• Serves as a liaison for the President and the Board of Regents. In close partnership with the Secretary of the Board of Regents, assists in planning and managing Board of Regents meetings, cultivating a positive relationship with the Board, and managing escalation of issues and decisions to ensure effective university governance.
• Serves as the presidential liaison to internal and external stakeholders, when requested to do so, including faculty, staff, students, and community leaders. Supports positive relationship-building and effective engagement between the President, the university, and its communities. Partners closely with the Office of External Affairs and Advancement in interactions with government…