Chief of Staff

Chief of Staff & Chief Communications Officer

Position Number: S00820P
Position Type: Staff
Position Category: Administrators/Deans
Search Type: External
Posted Salary Information: Grade 54 (Click here for EKU Salary Grades)
Driver Classification: Driver
City: Richmond
Division: Office of the President
Department: Office of President
Unit: Chief of staff/Communications Officer Search
FLSA: Exempt
Contact Person: Dr. Ryan Wilson
Schedule Type: Full Time (40 hrs per week or more)
Additional Schedule Details:
Funding Source: Institutional
Retirement: KTRS

Position Summary:
The Chief of Staff (CoS) and Chief Communications Officer (CCO) will serve as a member of the President's Cabinet. This is a single incumbent position reporting directly to the President. The CoS and CCO will lead matters of communication policy and institutional importance on behalf of the chief executive.

The CoS will support and sustain a culture of service, professionalism and continuous improvement in the executive's organizational units. The CoS will actively participate in implementing the EKU commitment to excellence by engaging in communicative, collaborative, and respectful relationships with those serving in leadership roles at the University. The CoS will manage special projects including matters involving University officials and community leaders. The CoS will serve as a liaison to the Board of Regents and will have an instrumental role in supporting the work of the institution's governing body. The CoS may manage office staff of the executive's organizational units.

The CCO will lead EKU's Communications and Brand Management team with responsibility for overseeing communications, media relations, marketing, advertising, royalty licensing, WEKU FM public radio station, and the University's news and digital content management. The CCO will manage a team of 30+ creative professionals and communications staff in support of the University's strategic initiatives and key priorities. The CCO will serve as the financial manager for all areas under the Communications and Brand Management umbrella. The CCO will oversee EKU branding efforts and set the tone of how EKU is perceived both internally and externally. The CCO will set the University's strategic communications and branding goals. The CCO will lead the University's crisis communications team.


Minimum Education:
Master’s in related field required. (Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, etc.)


Minimum Experience:
Ten years of related work experience is required. The successful candidate will have meaningful experience in successful project management and implementation. The successful candidate will have substantial experience leading people and complex organizations. The successful candidate will possess a proven record of using collaboration to achieve intended outcomes with an ability to motivate others to further an organizational mission and vision. The successful candidate must have a proven track record of progressive and impactful leadership experience over a sustained period of time. The candidate must also be a proven project manager with deep understanding of state/federal administrative process, budgeting and timeline management.


Minimum Licensure and Certification:


Qualification Equivalencies:


Desired Qualifications:
Desired Skills:
●Superior Communication skills
●Excellent Organizational skills
●Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
●Excellent “people” and customer service skills.
●Conflict resolution and negotiating skills
●Excellent team leading and team member skills.

Desired Traits:
●People Person
●Multi-Task Oriented
●Customer Focused
●Organized
●Comfortable in dealing with the needs of a diverse population.
●Embraces constructive and meaningful conflict resolution


Job Functions:
Provides management and oversight of the Office of Communications and Brand Management.
Serves as an adviser to the President, President’s Cabinet, and the Board of Regents on marketing, media relations, event planning and messaging.
Collaborates with schools and departments across the University to coordinate EKU’s identity, image, messages and reputation.
Leads and manages critical projects and initiatives on behalf of the President to ensure timely and impactful outcomes.
Ensures the effective operation of the office by performing other duties as required.


Posting Number: S00820P
Number of Vacancies: 1
Job Open Date: 06/17/2021
Application Review Date:
Job Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions Summary:


AA/EEO Statement:
Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.


Background Check Statement:
Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory background check.


Document Link:

To apply, visit https://jobs.eku.edu/postings/16909

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