Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board

Stephens College a pioneer in immersive studentcentered education for nearly two centuries invites applications for the position of Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board. This senior leadership role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a historic institution that is boldly redefining higher education.

Position Overview

The Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board is a key advisor to the President ensuring smooth operations and effective governance. As part of the Presidents senior team this role manages internal operations strategic projects and relationships with the Board of Trustees. This position also supports external partnerships and helps advance the Colleges mission.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Serve as a confidential advisor and strategic thought partner to the President.
• Anticipate and manage priorities for the President.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration among senior leadership ensuring alignment and momentum across crossdepartmental initiatives that advance the Colleges strategic goals.
• Manage senior staff meetings including agenda setting preparation of materials and followup on action items.
• Represent the President as appropriate to internal and external constituencies in meetings crisis response special initiatives and campus and community engagements.
• Provide datadriven insights and recommendations to inform decisionmaking.

Board of Trustees and Governance

• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees managing Board operations governance policies and trustee engagement.
• Plan and execute Board meetings retreats and new trustee orientation.
• Documents and archives all official Board records and ensures compliance with Board resolutions and bylaws.
• Act as a liaison between the Board Chair trustees and senior leadership to facilitate effective communication and governance.
• Staff the Trusteeship Committee supporting trustee recruitment onboarding continuing education succession planning communications and recognitions.

External Relations and Advocacy

• In partnership with the President manage relationships with local state and federal government officials nonprofit executives and business leaders to advance the Colleges interests.
• Represent the President and the College at community alumni donor and business events as appropriate.
• Support advocacy efforts on higher education policy funding opportunities and institutional initiatives.
• Enhance Stephens national visibility and influence through strategic external engagement.

Presidential Communications

• Lead the development of presidential communications ensuring messaging reflects the Colleges mission advances institutional priorities and resonates with diverse audiences.
• Ensure consistent and compelling communications with internal and external stakeholders including students faculty staff alumni donors and media.
• Represent the President at public engagements and with key constituencies as appropriate.

Office of the President Operations

• Oversee the budget staffing and daytoday operations of the Office of the President and Board of Trustees.
• Supervise administrative support staff to ensure highquality service to the President Board of Trustees and senior leadership.
• Oversee all events at the College originating from the Office of the President.
• Lead operational planning to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Presidents Office.
• Respond to concerns raised by students faculty staff alumni and community members on behalf of the President.

Crisis and Issues Management

• Serve as a key institutional leader during times of crisis or highstakes decisionmaking.
• Identify and proactively address emerging challenges affecting the College.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished higher education leader with exceptional strategic organizational and relationship management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in governance strategic planning executive operations and institutional leadership.
• Experience in external relations government affairs and stakeholder engagement.

Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of higher education governance and operations.
• Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across diverse constituencies.
• Strong organizational and problemsolving abilities with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• High level of discretion professionalism and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage complex initiatives and foster collaboration across departments.