"Chief of Staff, Office of the Chancellor, UT Chattanooga"

Job Details

Job Description

The Chief of Staff (CoS) serves as a strategic advisor, aide and operational leader for the Chancellor, providing executive-level support in advancing institutional priorities, managing complex initiatives, and enhancing organizational effectiveness and communication. The CoS coordinates various teams and provides proactive information and advice.

This role ensures the Chancellor’s office functions efficiently and is aligned with the strategic vision of the university. The Chief of Staff coordinates, provides advice and acts as a liaison between the Chancellor and senior university leaders, both UT System and Campus, internal stakeholders, including but not limited to faculty, staff, students and parents as well as external partners including, but not limited to, the Chattanooga community, legislators and higher education colleagues and associations.

The Chief of Staff (CoS) serves as a strategic advisor, aide and operational leader for the Chancellor, providing executive-level support in advancing institutional priorities, managing complex initiatives, and enhancing organizational effectiveness and communication.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Advisement

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chancellor on a wide range of strategic, operational, and policy matters.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice Chancellors when the Chancellor may not be available.
• Represent the Chancellor on designated task forces and committees, both internal and external.
• Exercise judgment and independent initiative in bringing recommendations, information or problems to the attention of the Chancellor.
• Prepare and debrief the Chancellor for participation in meetings – on campus, in the community, and statewide.
• Support the development and execution of institutional goals, policies, and initiatives.
• Assist and contribute to decision-making and overall strategy by conducting research, synthesizing information, and providing recommendations.
• Prepare and coordinate executive briefings, strategic reports, presentations, and correspondence.
• May serve as supervisor or provide work directions to others, including students.

Operational Oversight

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Chancellor, including oversight of the office’s staff, budget, and workflow.
• Manage all budgets for the Office of the Chancellor and ensure compliance with appropriate financial policies, including signature budget authority.
• Ensure the Chancellor’s time and attention can be focused on the most pressing strategic issues by prioritizing requests, managing information flow, and coordinating agendas.
• Lead or support the execution of high-impact projects involving multiple divisions and varied stakeholders.
• Develop briefing materials, reports, and presentations for internal and external engagements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate and communicate with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, governing boards, and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate and respond to issues that require the Chancellor’s attention, offering analysis and recommendations.
• Promote a culture of transparency, responsiveness, and strategic alignment across the university.
• Maintain regular communications with the faculty senate.
• Manage employee recognition events.
• Organize and assist with System and Campus events.
• Oversee the non-academic areas of commencement and coordinate with the provost and academic affairs in the total planning and production of commencement and convocation.
• Oversee institutional programs/activities for the Chancellor's Office and related offices including athletic events and receptions, activities at the Chancellor's house, legislative events in conjunction with other University departments.

Governance and Policy Support

• Assist in the preparation and follow-up for Advisory Board and Board of Trustees meetings and other governance functions.
• Track institutional commitments, compliance requirements, and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to policy development and implementation in coordination with university leaders.
• Conduct research on special projects as needed.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft executive-level materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity and judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion, care and sound judgment.

Application Instructions: Review of applications will begin August 11, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

In addition to the online application, a cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education, public administration, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership or administrative experience, ideally within a university or complex organizational setting.
• Proven experience managing sensitive issues, facilitating executive decision-making, and working with high-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional political acumen, discretion, and a deep understanding of institutional dynamics.
• Understanding of all entities within the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the UT System and their interrelations with demonstrated consultative experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• There is a strong preference for Master’s degree in higher education, public administration, business, or a related field.
• Prior experience working in a Chancellor’s, President’s, or Provost’s office or equivalent executive environment.
• Familiarity with higher education governance, academic culture, and public-sector operations.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a professional office environment. Occasional overnight travel and frequent evenings and weekends will be required based on institutional needs and events.