Chief of Staff (id:84027) - University of Maine

Chief of Staff serves overall as a high-level trusted advisor, supporter and deputy to the President/Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI).

The institution has strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence, and Chief of Staff will collaborate with the President to further this commitment in all activities of the University.

Chief of Staff collaborates with the President to execute and advance the President’s vision and strategic priorities. The Chief of Staff engages with internal and external constituencies to represent the President and to and to collect input and information, serves on committees, and participates in meetings as assigned. Chief of Staff serves as liaison for the President/VCRI with the Chancellor, other Vice Chancellors, the University of Maine System Office, and the UMS Board of Trustees; the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias Boards of Visitors (BOV); leaders of federal and state government; federal and state legislators; business leaders; and internal and external constituencies, where appropriate. Chief of Staff also represents the President as needed at the state, regional,

national and international levels, depending on the President’s roles and responsibilities in organizations beyond the University.

At the request of the President/VCRI, Chief of Staff provides advice and counsel in institutional policy development; University and System communication; administration; shared governance; faculty, staff, and student welfare; and research and economic development to further the mission and success of the University in its role as a land, sea, and space grant, R1 and D1 institution. The incumbent will have strategic leadership engagement in such President’s Office areas as office management, budget oversight, personnel, and planning.

Chief of Staff serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet and, in consultation with the President, sets agendas and facilitates the activities of this group. Chief of Staff also assists with the management of other senior personnel who report directly to the President.

Chief of Staff assists in the development and implementation of the communication strategy for the President/VCRI, for both internal and external constituencies. That communication strategy reflects the Strategic Vision and Values framework; the University’s core value of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence; and other major University and System initiatives, such as unified accreditation and UMS TRANSFORMS. Chief of Staff provides assistance and outreach to key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, members of the community, and state and federal officials and staff. The incumbent anticipates and manages priorities for the President/VCRI, attends events with the President/VCRI, and may be involved in supporting university-wide events. Chief of Staff acts as the point person on behalf of the President for crisis management. On behalf of the President, Chief of Staff will take on specific responsibilities related to current and future institutional initiatives, including presidential committees and commissions. Chief of Staff helps to facilitate the relationship and operating model with UMaine’s regional campus, the University of Maine at Machias, and provides support as needed to the President’s role as Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation.

Complete Job Description

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional communication skills (written and oral), clear record of effective writing and editorial experience along with experience in direct strategic, tactical and crisis communication; experience working with the press.
• Effective, resourceful, and independent problem solver and ability to identify issues that can escalate to problems in advance.
• Significant experience in higher education administration, public policy or within large, complex organizations, and working with senior executives.
• Ability to convey alternative opinions and perspectives to leaders with confidence and rationale.
• Highly intuitive, strong network builder, comfortable supporting the CEO and a busy, dynamic President’s Office.
• Highly resourceful, and possess strong emotional intelligence and organizational savvy, and sensitivity to political challenges.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining collegial relationships with a diverse group of constituencies.
• Ability to interact and influence at the most senior levels of an organization and to work collaboratively across functions, levels and departments toward shared objectives.
• Sound management skills, ability to think strategically and prioritize while balancing several complex agendas, and strong results orientation.
• Adaptability, flexibility, diplomacy, and resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated ability to function independently, prioritize work, and manage multiple and competing priorities, along with unexpected situations, while meeting deadlines. Possess a system and process approach.
• Solid understanding of budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Appreciation and respect for the roles and responsibilities of a university president/chief administrative officer and an understanding of the level of support required.

Preferred:

• Broad knowledge and understanding of university policies and procedures.
• Extensive executive-level experience and relationships with government bodies.
• Experience in public higher education.

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references

You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

Search Timeline is as follows:Updated April 1, 2024
To receive full consideration, applications must be received by: April 15, 2024
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: April 23, 2024
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: May 2, 2024
Tentative start date: June 3, 2024

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).