Chief of Staff, VP Health Affairs & Dean of School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Salary/Position Classification

• $152,000+ annual, dependent on experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite our Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Chief of Staff (COS) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team at UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. This senior leadership position will provide strategic oversight and organizational support to the Dean and executive team, ensuring the effective execution of institutional priorities. The COS will facilitate the alignment of faculty, staff, and student initiatives with the school's mission and goals, with a focus on fostering a high-performance culture, driving operational excellence, and advancing the School’s academic and research agendas. This job description is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the evolving needs of the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences. The Chief of Staff plays a vital role in shaping the future of the institution, ensuring operational effectiveness, and enabling the success of strategic initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership Education
  • Support the Dean in the development and implementation of the School's strategic vision.
  • Coordinate the operational execution of key initiatives, aligning resources to ensure successful implementation.
  • Serve as a liaison between the Dean’s office, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
  • Monitor and report on the progress of strategic initiatives, providing regular updates to the Dean and executive team.
  • Serve as an advisor to the Dean.
    
    
• Operations & Organizational Support
  
  • Provide guidance and support to departments on operational matters and strategic alignment.
  • Work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure the effective allocation of resources, including budget, staffing, and facilities.
  • Lead key institutional projects or task forces that impact multiple areas of the School.
  • Manage and oversee the day-to-day activities of the Dean’s office, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. o Help cultivate a positive work environment that promotes a culture of belonging, respect, transparency, and integrity within SMHS.
    
    
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
  
  • Ensure effective communication between the Dean’s office, faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
  • Prepare briefing materials, speeches, presentations, and reports for the Dean.
  • May represent the Dean and School as appropriate in meetings, as directed.
  • Coordinate the School's public-facing communications and outreach efforts to align with strategic priorities.  
    
    
• Project Management & Problem Solving
  
  • Oversee the dean’s office critical projects from initiation to completion, ensuring clear deliverables, timelines, and outcomes .
  • Address operational or strategic challenges that arise within the School, working collaboratively with leadership and key stakeholders.
  • Foster a collaborative environment that encourages creative problem-solving and effective decision-making.
  •  Analyze qualitative and quantitative data. 
    
    
• Lead Strategy in Marketing and Communications
  
  • Work with the marketing and communications team to create comprehensive marketing plans to align with SMHS objectives.
  • Develop and build customer relationships and foster engagement.
  • Work effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 
    
    
• Executive Support
  
  • Serve as the primary support for the Dean in strategic and operational matters.
  • Assist the Dean in preparing for meetings with key stakeholders including agenda setting, drafting documents, providing insights, and ensuring action items are followed through.
  • Oversee the coordination of the Dean’s schedule, ensuring time is allocated for high-priority initiatives.  

Competencies

• Proven success in managing strategic initiatives and complex projects.
• Proven ability to effectively manage and mentor staff.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comprehensive understanding of academic and healthcare operations, including finance, policy, and compliance.

Minimum Requiremen