Chief of Staff to the President

Transylvania University invites applications for Chief of Staff to the President. The Chief of Staff (COS) will work with prepare and support the President regarding all significant matters requiring the Presidents personal attention particularly related to fundraising recruitment and raising the Universitys profile and reputation. In addition the COS will handle special projects and will serve as the Presidents liaison to a variety of University stakeholders. The COS will work closely with the President and the Chairs of the Board of Trustees the Board of Regents and the Bingham Trust Board to coordinate Board policy and all Board activities and will facilitate communications between the President and the Cabinet.

Although the following staff members will be supported by different campus units the COS will be responsible for coordinating their activities as the Presidents Office Team to assist the President in implementing his agenda: the Special Assistant for External Partnerships and Community Relations the Director of Institutional Research and Accreditation the Director of Religious Life the Director of the Lula Morton Drewes Center and the University Events Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

THE PRESIDENT

• Facilitate the efficient utilization of the Presidents time. Provides materials and preparation for meetings and events particularly regarding Advancement activities.
• Develop and implement select projects.
• Serve as the Presidents liaison to various on-campus and off-campus groups both in official and informal capacities as appropriate. Represent the President on selected campus-wide committees.
• Relieve the president of operational and administrative details and decisions by addressing issues which have been delegated. Make travel arrangements; prepare and process travel authorization/claims etc. for the President.
• Maintain awareness of campus and sector-wide issues; research issues of importance and sensitivity and provide reports to the President.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND THE BINGHAM BOARD

• Serve as liaison from the Presidents Office to the Boards and maintain close relationships with Trustees and Regents individually and as a Board.
• Develop and manage appropriate university communication links with the Boards.
• Assist the President in the development of major reports and special projects for Board meetings.
• Monitor and update all policies of the Boards.
• Oversee the preparation of agendas materials minutes presentations etc. for Board meetings involving the President including the Executive Governance and Advancement Committees of the Board.
• Monitor schedule coordinate and generate when appropriate various official reports and activities required from the Boards.
• Work closely with the President and the Board Chairs on effective planning and organization of Board meetings.

THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

• Set a positive tone of enthusiasm high energy and professional team spirit.
• Develop and manage the application of the Presidents Office budget.
• Serve as the liaison and representative of the Office of the President for all matters involving the 250th anniversary observance and related campaign.
• Work closely with the University Events Manager to ensure:
  • Proper planning and execution of events involving the Office of the President and the Boards.
  • Coordination of the Presidents participation in events organized by other units of the University.
• Promote a positive image of the University by:
  • Greeting and receiving visitors or callers to the Presidents office in the Presidents absence
  • Providing authoritative information regarding University policies or decisions
  • Referring inquiries or problems to the appropriate office or person
  • Resolving problems and following up to determine the inquirers satisfaction with the response.
• Ensuring that responses from the Presidents Office and the operations of the Presidents Office reflect the highest standards of professional excellence and courtesy.
  Safeguard the confidentiality of University administration by exercising discretion in communicating information to faculty students staff and the various publics served by the University and in handling administrative records file and similar confidential items.
• Coordinate the flow of incoming and outgoing communications by receiving routing and/or responding to incoming communications and determining the appropriate office department or agency for outgoing communications. Prepares and/or reviews correspondence from the Presidents Office for distribution or approval and signature checking the documents for completeness and accuracy. Reviews correspondence and documents prepared by other offices for the presidents signature.
• Monitor the Presidents Office and Board webpages coordinating needed changes with Communications Office.
• Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• An earned bachelors degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Five years of related experience in higher education is preferred.
• Evidence of superior oral written and interpersonal communication skills.

Decision-Making Authority:

Make independent decisions based on precedent and clearly-established policy. Often consult vice presidents for background on decision-making. Make recommendations for action to president.

Contacts:

Extensive contact with individuals inside and outside the University students staff faculty alumni Board of Trustees neighbors government and civic leaders. The Presidents Office is often the default contact for individuals who do not know where to look for help.

Technology:

The Chief of Staff must demonstrate advanced proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools in both Microsoft (Word Excel PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Gmail Calendar Docs Sheets Slides Drive). The position requires the ability to manage schedules prepare high-quality documents and presentations and facilitate virtual and in-person meetings (Zoom Google Meet) using these platforms. The ideal candidate will be comfortable adapting to new tools and technologies serving as a go-to resource for executive-level support and coordination.

To begin the application process please submit your resume and a cover letter by clicking Apply Now below. Please write your cover letter to the attention of Brien Lewis President. Please apply by July 21 2025; however resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal we seek qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds perspectives and experiences. We embrace diversity and encourage all who are interested to apply.