Chief of Staff

Job Details

Chief of Staff
Millersville University
Department: Executive Staff in the President's Area
Nature of Position: Permanent, Full-time

Job Summary/Basic Function

About the position:
The Chief of Staff provides direct support to the President of Millersville University by providing counsel and leading the President’s public relations efforts. The Chief of Staff oversees all activities of the Office of the President, including serving as supervisor to the Executive Associate and the Receptionist. The Chief of Staff provides institutional support to facilitate the effective operation of Millersville University through coordination with the President, division leads, and Cabinet members.

Join Our Team at Millersville University!

Annual Salary: $105,000-116,000
Plus a generous benefits package designed to support your well-being and future:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage - Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Retirement Plans - Choose from two excellent options
• Tuition Waiver - Invest in your education or your family’s
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick leave, and holidays to recharge
• Full Benefits Summary(PDF)

Why Millersville?

Nestled in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Millersville University is a proud member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. We’re known for:

• Strong student-faculty connections
• 70+ undergraduate and 24 graduate programs
• A stunning campus and vibrant community
• Outstanding job placement for graduates

With over 66,000 alumni across the globe, our impact is far-reaching—and growing.

Our Mission & Values:

At Millersville, we live by our EPPIIC values of Exploration, Public Mission, Professionalism, Inclusion, Integrity, and Compassion.
We are deeply committed to Inclusive Excellence—creating a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We believe diversity is a strength, and we actively seek individuals who bring unique perspectives and experiences to our community.

Equal Opportunity for All:

Millersville University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. Individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide Counsel to the President:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President regarding internal and external activities, institutional priorities and other matters of concern.
• Assist the President in framing issues and providing responses to institutional concerns.
• Research and conduct fact-finding on sensitive and confidential matters.
• Draft letters, emails and other correspondence on behalf of the President.
• Support the President in University meetings by taking notes, tracking action items, and following up as appropriate to resolve questions and obtain additional information.
• Gather, analyze, and summarize information and briefing materials to support the President’s meetings and other engagements.
• Assist the President in planning for meetings and engagements, including the Council of Trustees meetings, board meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Participate in University events with the President. Work with the Executive Associate to ensure that the President’s participation has been planned for and backup materials are prepared.
• Lead planning and execution of the State of the ‘Ville.
• Ensure upkeep and maintenance of the Office of the President website, including providing timely and relevant information.

Oversee the Office of the President:

• Coordinate with the Chancellor’s Office on PASSHE actions and updates.
• Ensure the smooth and efficient operation of all Office of the President activities through coordination with the Executive Associate.
• Ensure the President is prepared for meetings and presentations by confirming logistics and compiling briefing materials.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Executive Associate and the Receptionist.
• Manage day-to-day communication operations for the Office of the President.
• Attend meetings with the President to review and update the calendar.
• Continuously evaluate the importance and urgency of the President’s commitments and rearrange previously scheduled appointments to ensure optimal use of the President’s time.
• Assist with planning and implementing special events of the Office of the President in consultation with the Executive Associate and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee the budget of the Office of the President.
• Coordinate with the Office of the Provost to manage the activities of the Biemesderfer Executive Center.
• Work collaboratively to keep staff appropriately advised of issues that directly affect them or matters relevant to the operation of the President’s Office.
• Create and maintain systems and processes to streamline operations of the Office of the President.

Provide Institutional Support:

• Coordinate across university divisions, in partnership with the President, to advance institutional priorities and support effective operations.
• Coordinate with the Office of Advancement staff to contact donors and prospective donors.
• Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet. Support decision-making process with regard to management of the University. Assist the Executive Associate with review of the Cabinet agenda, meeting coordination, and notes.
• Collaborate with other members of the Cabinet to address institutional challenges and priorities.
• Conduct research and synthesize findings to support strategic planning, Cabinet priorities, external engagements, and Office of the President initiatives.
• Consult with the President and Cabinet members as needed to address University issues.
• Support the President with participation on various boards, including the PASSHE Executive Leadership Group; Board of Governors; Lancaster Chamber; and Lancaster General Health, among others.
• Plan and implement the annual Cabinet retreat and the annual Council of Trustee/Cabinet retreat—including meeting material and report summary development.
• Lead institutional initiatives as identified by the President, including coordination with vendors and contractors to prepare analyses, reports and other resources.
• Coordinate with the President, the Chair of the Strategic Advisory Council, and Cabinet Members to assist with the oversight and implementation of the University’s strategic plan and priorities.
• Participate in President’s Assistant meetings with the Office of the Chancellor to help facilitate smoother operations between the University and the Office of the Chancellor.
• Develop and review draft and final policies in coordination with other Cabinet members.
• Develop agendas and help to coordinate activities of the President’s Council.

• All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Communications, Organizational Leadership or related field.
• 7-10+ years of senior-level administrative or executive experience.
• Extensive experience in:
  • Higher education governance.
  • Policy development.
  • Cabinet-level coordination.
  • Confidential/sensitive institutional matters.
• Demonstrated track record of speech writing for a C-suite executive.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent mediation skills and conflict resolution skills.
• Track record of relationship-building across all levels.
• Ability to solve problems independently while keeping the President apprised of necessary information.
• Experience working in an inclusive environment with diverse staff, students and faculty.
• Demonstrated critical thinking ability.
• Ability to organize and prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic office setting.
• Commitment to confidentiality.
• Ability to manage sensitive issues in a respectful and appropriate manner.
• Ability to manage, mentor and supervise employees.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills
• Evidence of a commitment to inclusive practices and working with diverse staff, faculty, and students.
• Successful interview.
• Successful completion of three background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.

Job Description

Essential Functions
Please Note: These duties are to be performed with or without an accommodation. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Flexible work schedule as dictated by the needs and schedule of the President.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Ability to work in person on campus in an office setting.
• Extensive writing skills (prepare and organize complex documents).
• Extensive verbal communication skills (provide information and assistance regularly).
• Climb stairs daily.
• Understanding of written and verbal directions.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, and mouse.