Deputy to the President

Position Title: Deputy to the President

 

JOB PURPOSE: 

 

The Deputy will work closely with the President to provide strategic advice, support, and coordination to the executive team and other direct reports.  The appropriate candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the academic, research, and service mission of the Seminary; skill in working with all campus stakeholders while engendering a climate of openness, integrity, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving; and a keen sense of how and when to engage the participation of different constituencies while possessing wise judgment and sound discretion in handling sensitive materials and confidential situations. 

 

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

% of time

Strategic Advisor and Partner to the President

 % of time for section

Work closely with the President to help develop, plan, coordinate, support, and/or lead strategic and special initiatives and projects: Provides strategic advice to the President and keep the President apprised of significant issues and identify approaches to resolve issues.

 

Works collaboratively and facilitates the design, development and implementation of strategic priorities.  Conducts internal and external benchmarking and research.  Develops and presents findings and recommendations which may include the development of organizational structures, systems and policies to better align and leverage resources and operations.

 

Participates in the development of policies and procedures in a range of areas as needed.

 

Develops a strategic approach to overall work and activities, and engage the wide range of Seminary constituencies in the development and implementation of planning and projects.

 

Assists the President with ad hoc emergent matters and troubleshooting as needed, often in collaboration with relevant offices within the Seminary.

 

Support the President’s Executive Team and Other Direct Reports

% of time for section

Staffs weekly and special meetings of the executive team; collaborates with the President to develop strategic agendas to advance priorities, oversee preparation and timely distribution of materials, oversee meeting logistics, and assist the President with facilitation.

 

Tracks progress and coordinate support as needed within the executive team for implementation of the President’s priorities. Serves as liaison and provide support as needed to the President’s other direct reports.

 

Works both independently and with leaders to analyze and present key recommendations and plans to senior leadership.

 

Special project leadership and management

% of time for section

Provide project management support and programmatic coordination for a portfolio of high priority initiatives that reflect the president’s strategic vision.

 

Ensures that assigned projects are effectively managed, delivered on time and involve the appropriate stakeholders.  Develops complex project and implementation plans.  Conducts extensive research, analyze findings and develop recommendations, comprehensive implementation plans and outcome reports.  Ensures integrated strategic communications planning for relevant projects and initiatives.

 

 

Leads Team and promotes Operational Effectiveness in the Office of President

% of time for section

• Meets regularly, at least twice a month, with all direct reports for 1:1 Manages performance on an ongoing basis throughout the year Ensures effective performance management for indirect reports, if any Creates and ensures opportunities for team development through multiple

mechanisms and supports recognition efforts that build morale

 

• Stewards all resources, including budget, effectively and appropriately Meets operational targets, develops innovate solutions, and continuously

improve department and operational efforts

 

• Supports and contributes to hiring efforts that meet our operational and mission

needs

 

 

Total

100% time

OTHER FUNCTIONS: Serves as requested on committees, task forces and community groups; partners with standing committees, and organizations in the region to share best practices and build partnerships.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

 

CREDENTIALS REQUIRED:

 

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business, strategic communication, or higher education administration.

 

• 5 or more years of experience in a leadership role in a complex organization, preferably in higher education or theological education.

 

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice and support to senior leaders.

 

• Strong project management skills and experience leading or coordinating complex initiatives. • Excellent communication skills, digital, oral and written.

 

• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

 

• Commitment to the mission and values of Princeton Theological Seminary.

 

 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

 

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as business, strategic communication, or higher education administration
• Familiarity with theological formation in the context of higher education
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships internally and externally with a broad range of individuals
• Experience working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels in a complex institution, as well as with diverse external communities, to facilitate positive, collaborative, and inclusive processes and initiatives coupled with measurable programmatic deliverables.
• Evidence of strong decision-making and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through written as well as interpersonal and group communication skills.

PHYSICAL / ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

 

Ability to be mobile on campus, works in office environment, lifts up to 10 lbs., remain in a stationary position 25% of the time, wrist and hand movement related to computer work

 

 

 

This description reflects essential functions of the position, it does not restrict tasks that may be assigned or changed at any time.

 

 

 

Prepared by: Tom Chester/Jonathan Walton