Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives - Duluth

The chief of staff and assistant vice chancellor for strategy (AVCS) serves as a strategic advisor and operational leader, supporting the chancellor in advancing the university's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. Reporting to the chancellor, this role involves coordinating high-level initiatives such as strategic planning, institutional effectiveness efforts, and cross-divisional projects, as well as managing executive communications.

As a key member of the chancellor's senior leadership team, the AVCS supports executive decision-making by summarizing information and providing timely updates on strategic initiatives. The role also fosters collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. The position serves as a primary liaison with the University of Minnesota, President's Office.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning and Execution:
   • Assist the chancellor and the provost in developing and implementing strategic plans.
   • Monitor progress on key initiatives and projects to ensure alignment with the university's goals.
   • Provide strategic advice and support to the chancellor on a wide range of issues.
   • Coordinate activities with the senior leadership team on strategic and operational matters, including but not limited to supporting the setting of agendas for senior leadership meetings, as well as action and follow-up items that result from each meeting.
     
2. Operational Leadership:
   • Coordinate and manage special projects, initiatives, and commissions as directed by the chancellor.
   • Maintain familiarity with budgetary matters related to the chancellor's office.
   • Serve as a liaison between the chancellor and other university leaders, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
   • Collaborate with the team in the Chancellor's Office around projects, events, and special projects.
     
3. Communication and Coordination:
   • Coordinate effective communication in partnership with University Marketing and Public Relations that facilitates information sharing across the university.
   • Organize and develop reports, presentations, and other materials for the chancellor in partnership with other units at the university.
   • Apprise the chancellor on significant issues and ensure that various perspectives are presented accurately and objectively in an effort to identify solutions that lead to effective resolution.
     
4. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
   • Support the chancellor in engaging with the university community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.
   • Support the chancellor in engaging with the regional community, including industry partners, non-profit organizations, and community events in partnership with campus units and academic departments.
   • Represent the chancellor in meetings and events as needed.
     
5. University of Minnesota Engagement:
   • Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with the University of Minnesota President's Office and other system partners as appropriate.
   • Provide strategic advice and counsel related to the university's strategic roadmap and other University of Minnesota priorities with Chief of Staff colleagues from the President's Office and the Chancellor's Offices on the Rochester, Crookston, and Morris campuses as well as the University of Minnesota Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.
     

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS with at least ten years of experience
• Experience leading a team to achieve strategic initiatives
• Experience in complex project management

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral or masters degree
• Experience supporting a senior leader
• Understanding of the culture, organization, systems, and practices of higher education
• A track record of leading and delivering complex projects and developing and maintaining key partnerships
• Credibility to serve as the chancellor's designee, including generating respect and results through productive relationships in a collaborative campus community
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adjust to changing priorities and situations
• Ability to convene multi-faceted teams to collaborate to achieve common goals that successfully support the mission of the university
• Demonstrated strength in critical and strategic thinking, including the ability to listen well and to ask critical questions
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and delegate effectively
• Ability to write professionally, track project progress and summarize meetings, and to use AI as a tool for efficiency

Pay Range: $160,000-$175,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position requires that you attach Resume/CV and Cover Letter

This position will remain open until filled. Priority application deadline will be January 16th.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).