Chief of Staff

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean, the Chief of Staff will be a key member of the Dean's Office staff responsible for the central coordination of all functions and activities of the office. He / she will provide leadership and direction for strategic planning and change management initiatives, budget and financial planning for the Dean's office, and project management on behalf of the Dean. May represent the Dean in selected internal and external interactions with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and senior University administrators. The incumbent will manage and advise the Dean and Dean's Office staff on day-to-day operations ensuring efficiency and effectiveness and optimizing use of available resources. As directed, oversight for projects supporting the Dean's agenda to ensure that all are effectively moving according to plan objectives and established milestones and measurement criteria.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs a broad range of high-level projects including implementation, and coordination of selected program initiatives; monitors, staffs and ensures progress in Dean-initiated activities.
• Responsible for all budgetary and financial planning in support of the office including all expense management, budgeting, project / special initiative funding, and compliance in conjunction with appropriate central Finance departments.
• Provides daily oversight for the Dean's office administrative functions, working closely with the Dean's administrative support staff to ensure efficient operations; plays a critical role in defining and prioritizing direction for allocation of the President's time; ensures all internal and external requests / inquiries are addressed properly, efficiently and judiciously and track progress until resolved. Maintains accurate confidential files and data records.
• Participates in key constituent meetings, including Dean's Council and Executive Committee to ensure responsive and appropriate follow-up.
• Serves as primary liaison ensuring seamless coordination of the Dean's administrative, scholarly and individual endeavors.
• Establish and maintain strong and highly collaborative relationships across the University and external constituents.
• Handle sensitive information with the highest degree of discretion and professionalism.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus five years of related experience or a Master's degree plus 3.5 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and managerial skills with analytical ability and experience with strategic planning processes.
• Prior experience providing management support to a high-level executive that involved overseeing commitments and ensuring priorities are met and logistics are efficiently addressed
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple projects and activities with varied deadlines; utilize sound judgment, be a strategic thinker and effective in moving strategic agendas; be politically savvy, and ensure the utmost discretion in all matters.
• Team building skills, with the ability to develop and supervise staff
• Ability to set priorities and work well with all levels of personnel
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to problem-solve and effectively operate with experience exercising effective judgment in a senior level administrative role within a dynamic environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with diverse internal and external constituents

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience in a leadership role
• Experience in operations, strategic planning, project management or executive management
• Experience in or knowledge of the nature and operation of research universities highly desired

Other Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.