About This Role

Kansas State University (K-State) invites nominations and applications for the role of Chief of Staff to the President (COS). Reporting to the President, the next COS will serve as President Richard Linton's senior advisor and essential partner for advancing institutional priorities, enhancing organizational alignment, and ensuring the effective execution of presidential initiatives.

Located in Manhattan, KS, the Chief of Staff will operate at the center of institutional leadership, helping to translate the President's vision into action while ensuring that the President's time, attention, and influence are focused on the university's highest-impact opportunities.

The Chief of Staff will provide counsel on complex issues, anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities, and prepare the President for successful engagement across a wide range of internal and external settings. This individual will play a critical role in coordinating across senior leadership, fostering alignment, and ensuring follow-through on key institutional priorities and commitments.

The Chief of Staff will also lead special projects and institutional initiatives on behalf of the President, bringing structure, accountability, and momentum to efforts that span multiple units and stakeholders. In doing so, the Chief of Staff will help advance a culture of collaboration, clarity, and results.

Additionally, the role serves as a key connector between the President and the broader university and external community. The Chief of Staff will strengthen relationships with faculty, staff, students, governing boards, community partners, and public officials, and will represent the President as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and ten years of experience providing senior-level strategic, operational and advisory support with demonstrated experience supporting executive leadership, managing complex initiatives, coordinating across multiple leaders, or units and exercising sound judgment in sensitive or confidential matters.
• Requires a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (e.g., master's, doctorate, or equivalent terminal degree)
• Senior leadership experience in higher education, particularly in a public, land-grant, or research-intensive institution
• Prior experience working directly with a president, chancellor, governing board, or cabinet-level executive
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional, institution-wide projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Experience with cabinet coordination and executive agenda development
• Experience representing executive leadership with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, alumni, donors, or military partners
• Strong understanding of shared governance, board relations, and public accountability environments
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience supporting speeches, briefings, and executive correspondence
• Demonstrated political and organizational acumen, with the ability to navigate complex institutional dynamics
• Experience coordinating executive-level communications across units or in partnership with a central communications function