Chief of StaffVice President of Operations

Recruitment Period: 01/16/2026 - 02/13/2026

Status: Full-Time 40 hours/week

Salary Information: Annual Minimum Salary-$199445-Annual Maximum Salary-$275000

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) does not sponsor employment visas. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and for the duration of their employment with PNWU. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with federal law.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) was founded as a 501(c) (3) non-profit medical institution in 2005 aimed at increasing access to health care in medically underserved areas of the Pacific Northwest.

The University currently offers the degrees of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Physical Therapy Doctor of Dental Medicine Master of Arts in Medical Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy enrolling over 550 students annually with plans to develop other programs and/or colleges. Interprofessional education partnerships with other universities adds another 100 students to the population. The campus includes 300 employees with academic programming spread over a five-state region.

PNWU is located in Yakima WA a city of approximately 95000 located in the south-central part of the state near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in a major agricultural and outdoor recreation region. It is approximately 140 miles from Seattle 170 miles from Portland and 200 miles from Spokane. The Yakima Valley is a wonderful place to live work and play. For more information visit Summary:

The Chief of Staff/Vice President of Operations (COS/VPO) serves as the Presidents principal representative and trusted advisor on strategic administrative and operational matters. The COS/VPO works collaboratively with members of the administration faculty and staff to ensure seamless operations across the University. The COS/VPO provides leadership and oversight of day-to-day functions enabling operational efficiency and alignment with the Universitys mission and strategic goals.

The COS/VPO supports the President in ensuring effective ethical and efficient governance and administration. When delegated the COS/VPO may perform executive functions on behalf of the President representing the President in decision-making forums meetings and external engagements. This role requires exceptional judgement integrity diplomacy and a demonstrated capacity for managing complexity.

The COS/VPO provides direct line management for key administrative and operational areas including but not limited to: Information Technology Facilities and Maintenance Campus Safety and Security Risk and Compliance and other related operational areas as designated by the President.

Essential Job Functions:

Provide supervision/oversight to Information Technology; Facilities and Maintenance; Campus Safety and Security; Risk and Compliance and other operational areas as designated by the President.

Maintain efficient team structure and performance through analytics processes and tools.

Lead oversee and direct a broad range of high-level projects on behalf of the President including convening task forces and committees pertaining to institutional priorities while ensuring that ongoing projects are effectively designed coordinated managed implemented evaluated and meet scheduled deliverables.

Plan direct and coordinate operations with the President as well as other members of university administration to determine the Universitys priorities and strategic direction.

In conjunction with the Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost and Vice President of Enrollment Services ensure academic endeavors that maximize student engagement.

Promotes a positive image and engagement of the University by attending campus community regional and state activities as applicable.

Partners with the Institutional Development office to advance major gift cultivation and fundraising strategies with active involvement in signature University and donor engagements events.

Coordinates ongoing research and evaluation to provide the President with actionable insights on PNWU issues policies and initiatives supporting a culture of continuous improvements.

Serve as the Presidents liaison with campus constituencies as well as outside community constituencies as needed.

Facilitate the Executive Leadership Group meetings provide perspective and recommendations and ensure that the group is accountable for following through on their workplans and assignments.

Contribute to the overall success of the University by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performs other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need.

Education:

Required: Masters degree in Business Administration higher education leadership public administration or related field

Preferred: Terminal degree (PhD EdD JD)

Experience:

Required: 10 years in higher education administration or a similarly complex organizational environment

Desired Skills Knowledge and Abilities:

Ability to manage multiple priorities including direct oversight of multiple functional areas (e.g. IT Facilities Compliance and Campus Safety and Security); knowledge of strategic planning organizational leadership and operational management; ability to work effectively with governing boards executive leaders faculty staff and external stakeholders; ability to communicate and have strong interpersonal and negotiation skills; knowledge and commitment to mission and opportunity and shared governance; and knowledge of confidentiality integrity and ethical decision-making

To ensure full consideration submit:

A letter of introduction outlining background and qualifications for the position

Detailed resume

Contact information for three professional references

The job announcement above is not the full job description but represents the job responsibilities and requirements. A full job description can be provided upon request.

PNWU offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees first of the month following date of hire and competitive salary.

Benefit Package (benefit eligible is at least .5 FTE):

• Health Benefits - Medical Dental Vision Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 403b with Roth Option
• Paid Holidays

For information about life in Yakima visit our PNWU page.

PNWU is a drug-free workplace equal opportunity employer and educational institution. To request this publication in an alternative format or to apply in an alternative format please call Human Resources 509.452.5100.