"Chief of Staff"

Chief of Staff

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Admissions and Enrollment

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req23440

Department: Enrollment Management

Location: Main Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Chief of Staff oversees division-wide operations, guiding the implementation of key initiatives and leading the development and alignment of policies, procedures, and systems to ensure effective and efficient workflows. The position serves as a strategic partner to the Vice President and is responsible for managing day-to-day administrative and operational priorities, facilitating internal communication, and supporting the division's goals around access, efficiency, and innovation.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Oversight

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational activities of the Enrollment Management division.
• Lead the development and refinement of internal operational systems, ensuring alignment with university policies, compliance requirements, and best practices in higher education.
• Lead Human Resources planning and practice for the division.
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve business processes to enhance efficiency, eliminate redundancy, and support continuous improvement.
• Partner with department leads to identify resource and operational needs; lead efforts to ensure resource optimization and scalability of operations.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate divisional standard operating procedures and business continuity plans.
• Track and manage progress toward strategic initiatives and operational goals, using data and project management tools to drive accountability.

Strategic and Executive Support

• Provide strategic counsel and planning support to the Vice President on high-priority initiatives, cross-divisional projects, and emerging issues.
• Represent the Vice President in key internal and external meetings, ensuring continuity of leadership, decision-making, and follow-through.
• Serve as a liaison with senior university administrators and external stakeholders; communicate decisions, initiatives, and priorities on behalf of the VP.
• Prepare briefings, talking points, presentations, and special reports for the Vice President.

Divisional Communication and Coordination

• Develop and implement clear communication strategies to ensure transparency and alignment across Enrollment Management units.
• Lead the planning and facilitation of regular division-wide meetings.
• Coordinate efforts among departments to resolve cross-functional issues and implement shared goals.

Talent, Culture, and Professional Development

• Drive employee recognition and professional development efforts across the division, fostering a strong, supportive, and mission-driven team culture.
• Collaborate on staffing strategies, organizational design, and succession planning to support long-term divisional growth.
• Lead efforts to anticipate future workforce needs in support of Enrollment Management's evolving goals.

Policy and Compliance Support

• Provide operational interpretation and support for compliance with university, state, and federal regulations affecting enrollment management functions.
• Develop internal frameworks and controls to ensure sound operational practices and risk mitigation.

Research and Environmental Scanning

• Monitor national and regional trends in enrollment, admissions, financial aid, and higher education policy.
• Track relevant media coverage and industry updates, delivering timely insights and recommendations to the Vice President.
• Conduct internal and external research to support strategic planning and decision-making.

Other Key Duties

• Serve on university committees and task forces as assigned.
• Build and maintain partnerships with third-party vendors and consultants.
• Supervise Administrative Operations Manager and work closely to manage the Vice President's calendar, logistics, and preparation for key events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge and understanding of operational and administrative functions in higher education, including enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, and student services.
• Familiar knowledge of university governance, policy development, and compliance frameworks at the institutional, state, and federal levels.
• Knowledge of project management principles and business process improvement strategies.
• Awareness of current trends in higher education related to access, student success, and enrollment strategy.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with a proven ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for various audiences and prepare high-level reports, presentations, and briefings.
• Advanced interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, staff, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using data, analytics, and project management tools to drive outcomes and manage progress.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including staff supervision, conflict resolution, and team-building.
• Ability to navigate a complex and fast-paced environment while managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Ability to anticipate and address operational challenges with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, supportive, and values-driven culture across diverse teams.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy in handling confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to align operational strategies with institutional priorities and translate vision into action through detailed execution and follow-through.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Organizational Administration

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $117,883-$153,248

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade: 13

Career Stream and Level: M3

Job Family: Administrative Strategy

Job Function: Organizational Administration

Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates: Jessica Grimm | jgrimm@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter