Chief of Staff

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

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Here is what we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

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Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff serves as the Dean’s senior strategic advisor and operational partner, providing executive-level leadership support, institutional coordination, and oversight of school-wide strategic initiatives. This role is responsible for translating the Dean’s vision into actionable priorities, ensuring alignment across academic, administrative, and operational functions, and supporting decision-making at the highest level of the School.

This position is designed as a future-state leadership role focused on strategy, governance, and executive coordination. It does not manage day-to-day program execution, event planning, or operational delivery functions, which are carried out within academic and administrative units.

The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Dean of the School of Communications.

Supervisory Authority

The Chief of Staff may provide functional and strategic oversight of administrative staff or project teams as assigned by the Dean. Supervisory authority, when delegated, is focused on initiative coordination, performance alignment, and accountability, rather than day-to-day task supervision. This role does not supervise academic programs.

Nature and Scope

The Chief of Staff operates at the executive level within the School of Communications and supports the Dean through strategic coordination, leadership advising, and institutional alignment. The role requires independent judgment, discretion, and a high level of professional integrity. The scope of the position is strategic and advisory, rather than programmatic or operational.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Strategy & Leadership Support

· Serve as the Dean’s principal strategic advisor on institutional priorities, organizational effectiveness, and operational planning.

· Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of school-wide strategic initiatives and long-range goals.

· Prepare executive-level briefings, analyses, and recommendations to support informed decision-making.

Institutional Coordination & Governance

· Coordinate cross-functional efforts among academic leadership, administrative units, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with the School’s mission and objectives.

· Represent the Dean, as appropriate, in senior-level meetings, working groups, and institutional forums.

· Monitor progress on key initiatives and elevate risks, dependencies, and decision points to the Dean.

Operational Oversight (Strategic Level)

· Provide high-level oversight of administrative and operational workflows to ensure efficiency, accountability, and alignment with institutional standards.

· Partner with senior administrators to identify opportunities for process improvement and organizational alignment.

· Support clarity in leadership roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority.

Communications & Special Projects

· Lead or support high-priority initiatives and special projects at the direction of the Dean.

· Draft, review, and coordinate executive communications, reports, and institutional correspondence.

· Ensure consistency and clarity in messaging across leadership initiatives.

Core Competencies

· Strategic leadership and sound judgment

· Executive-level written and verbal communication

· Organizational effectiveness and process improvement

· Stakeholder engagement and relationship management

· Analytical thinking and problem-solving

· Project and initiative oversight

· Professional discretion and integrity

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred or Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience.

· Demonstrated experience in executive-level administration, strategic planning, or institutional leadership.

· Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

· Ability to operate effectively in complex, fast-paced academic environments.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$95,000-$105,000