Chief of Staff, College of Connected Computing

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Chief of Staff in the College of Connected Computing is a key member of the Dean’s senior leadership team, responsible for leading the administrative, operational, and business functions of the College. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chief of Staff serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner—driving the implementation of the Dean’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities by translating ambitious goals into actionable plans.

This highly visible, impact-focused role requires close collaboration with college staff and engagement with leaders across the College of Connected Computing and Vanderbilt University. The Chief of Staff coordinates the activities of the Dean’s Office, serves as liaison to internal and external stakeholders, and supervises administrative support staff to ensure operational excellence.

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, strong project management capabilities, and exceptional communication skills. Success in this role demands pride of ownership, creativity, situational awareness, and a resilient, proactive mindset to champion ideas, individuals, and initiatives in a dynamic and growing environment.

About Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873, located a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, TN. The university’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors frequently cite Nashville as one of the benefits of Vanderbilt. VU is where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work, and never settle for what was good enough yesterday.

KEY FUNCTIONS
Strategic Leadership & Planning:
• Serve as a principal strategic advisor to the Dean, helping to shape the college’s strategic direction and long-range plans.
• Provide high-level counsel, insight, and data-informed recommendations to guide decisionmaking on a wide range of complex topics.
• Work closely with the Dean on developing and executing strategic initiatives that support the college’s mission and vision, especially during this formative launch period.

Administrative & Operational Oversight:
• Direct the college’s day-to-day administration and internal business operations, including establishing and refining processes, policies, and infrastructure for critical operational areas to effectively support the new College of Connected Computing.
• Ensure operational excellence and efficiency by developing streamlined procedures and organizational structures that align with university policies and the college’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate with partners across schools and colleges and Vanderbilt’s central administrative offices.

Project Management & College Launch Initiatives:
• Oversee and drive critical projects from conception to completion in a coordinated and strategic manner.
• Coordinate and support the College’s launch, new academic program development, curricular planning, and interdepartmental initiatives.
• Review detailed project plans, timelines, and benchmarks.
• Track progress on strategic initiatives; and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
• Anticipate challenges, solve problems proactively, and adjust plans as needed to meet or exceed goals.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
• Act as a liaison for the Dean, facilitating clear communication and productive collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Represent the Dean’s interests and the college’s priorities in meetings and committees across the university and with outside constituencies.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. other Vanderbilt colleges, industry partners, advisory boards) to build support for the College’s initiatives and partnerships.
• Prepare and deliver updates, reports, and presentations to keep stakeholders informed of progress and milestones.
• In coordination with Vanderbilt’s communications teams, manage sensitive communications and respond to inquiries on behalf of the Dean’s office.

Executive Support & Representation:
• Provide high-level executive support to ensure the Dean’s time and efforts are focused on the most critical priorities.
• Help prioritize the Dean’s schedule of commitments to university and external initiatives.
• When needed, represent the Dean in meetings or events.
• Coordinate and staff committees or task forces launched by the Dean and lead special projects that span multiple departments or funct