Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor

About the University 

Founded in 1864, the University of Denver (DU) is a private, doctoral-granting university with very high research activity. The university has become increasingly known, nationally and internationally, for its creative, 21st-century approaches to problem-based scholarship, as well as its holistic, student-centered approach to learning known as the 4D Experience (https://www.du.edu/4D-experience), and its dedication to the public good through local, national, and international partnerships. The university plays an integral role in the cultural, social, economic, and educational vibrancy of the fast-growing city and region it calls home. DU also offers every one of its students the opportunity for a unique set of leadership and wilderness experiences at the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, just two hours north of its beautiful urban campus (https://www.du.edu/about/kennedy-mountain-campus). 

The Strategic Plan: DU IMPACT 2025 

The University of Denver has a bold and courageous vision for higher education in the 21st century. The University is creating substantial changes that will have an enormous impact on our students, the research of our faculty, the community and beyond, framed by the strategic plan DU IMPACT 2025. DU will continue to innovate around our strengths in teaching, learning, and discovery. The faculty and students will accelerate the ways research can be used to address society’s most vexing problems. Chancellor Jeremy Haefner has emphasized five strategic imperatives that will accelerate DU’s progress toward the goals of DU IMPACT 2025. 

Chancellor Haefner’s five strategic imperatives are: 

• Ensure a bold, enduring mission-driven future for DU 
• Provide a unique DU global, holistic, 4-Dimensional student experience, enabling deep reflection and growth 
• Cultivate an exceptionally diverse, inclusive and equitable community 
• Define and model a 21^st Century engaged research university 
• Deliver academic excellence with a modern portfolio of academic programs 

Position Summary 

As a trusted advisor to the Chancellor, the Chief of Staff (COS) reports to the Chancellor and directs Chancellor’s Office operations in support of institutional priorities. The COS also serves as the Chancellor’s representative to both internal and external constituents as well as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet.

The COS exercises considerable judgment in their work to liaise, problem-solve, organize, and execute on behalf of the Chancellor across the Cabinet as well as University stakeholders more broadly. The COS handles a variety of matters of institutional importance on the Chancellor’s behalf. The position directs the operations of the Office of the Chancellor, working to establish, improve and maintain best practices, attends University events as a representative of the Chancellor, and represents the Chancellor in meetings with campus constituents.

The COS serves as the Chancellor’s primary strategic liaison with University and community constituencies, cultivates and maintains strong relationships across campus to keep a finger on the pulse of campus, and helps facilitate connections, solve problems and represent the Chancellor and the University in the best possible light. 

 Essential Functions 

 Direct operations the Chancellor’s Office:

• Provide clear direction and oversight of all Chancellor’s office activities while maintaining constant interface with the Chancellor’s Cabinet and the Senior Vice Chancellors (SVC) group to ensure that key issues are proactively addressed.
• Manage Chancellor’s Office staff to include: Executive Assistant to the Chancellor, Executive Assistant to the COS, Executive Writer & Communications Manager, Administrative Assistant, and Special Assistant for Student Engagement.
• Provide oversight of the Chancellor’s Office operating budget.
• Directs and oversees Chancellor’s office-sponsored events and supports the Director of University Protocol/Administrative Secretary to the Board on University-wide and Board of Trustees events.

Supports and represents the Chancellor:

• Serve as the Chancellor’s representative and liaison to both internal and external University stakeholders often dealing with highly sensitive, confidential information.
• Represent the Chancellor and Chancellor’s Office as appropriate on University committees and task forces.
• Partner with the Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations & Strategy Implementation regarding integrating Chancellor’s vision and strategic imperatives.
• Advise the Chancellor and serve as a sounding board on sensitive matters. Ensure the Chancellor has all the information to make informed decisions.
• Exercise judgment, diplomacy, and understanding of University issues to support the Chancellor.
• Research, analyze and prepare executive summaries and charge letters for Chancellor initiatives and projects.
• Prepare Chancellor briefings and talking points for events and represent the Chancellor as needed in meetings.
• Prepare agendas for Chancellor’s Cabinet and SVC meetings and provide a summary of discussion and action items from each meeting to attendees, with appropriate follow-up.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications on draft communications from the Chancellor to ensure consistency of messaging and alignment with strategic imperatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Strategic Leadership  

• Exceptional leadership skills with a successful track record of developing and communicating a strategic vision that inspires and motivates a diverse staff;  
• Excellent analytical, strategic conceptual thinking, strategic planning, and execution skills; 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Communications and Administration 

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor; 
• Demonstrated ability to manage stressful situations with tact and diplomacy and to use sound judgment and initiative, particularly as it relates to handling sensitive and/or confidential information; 
• Strong executive and internal communications and management skills; 
• Keen attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, coaching, and persuasive communication techniques and approaches. 
• Strong commitment to collaboration, consultation and shared governance

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree. 
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative roles
• Supervisory experience 
• A record of successful leadership while directing the efforts of professional staff in a complex organization 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Advanced degree  
• Experience in an advisory role reporting to a senior leader 
• Experience in higher education  

Working Environment 

• Standard office environment. 
• Unexpected interruptions often occur, and stress level is moderate to high. 
• The noise level is quiet to moderate. 

 Physical Activities 

• Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period. 
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs. 

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) July 5, 2023.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is UG.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $175,000-$260,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age (40 years and over in the employment context), religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, veterans status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the university's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For the university's complete Non-Discrimination Statement, please see non‑discrimination‑statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.