Chief of Staff, College of Engineering

CONTEXT OF JOB: 

The College of Engineering (CoE) is one of the most complex academic units on campus with a broad range of departments, interdisciplinary centers, research institutes, and programs. The primary purpose of the Sr. Advisor (Chief of Staff) is to support the Dean in leading the short- and long-term priorities, initiatives and activities that relate to the academic, strategic and operational imperatives of the CoE. This position will be an advisory position to the Dean and members of CoE senior leadership team, as appropriate. The incumbent will be proactive in developing programs and initiatives to achieve and maintain an effective and efficient environment within the CoE.

The incumbent will serve as a conduit of information and will advise the Dean on key initiatives, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, internal and external constituents, faculty, staff and students to support the Dean with a wide range of highly confidential, complex, and sensitive executive, advisory and strategic duties. The Sr. Advisor will represent the interests and priorities of the Dean and CoE and serve as a key liaison between the Dean’s Office and internal and external constituents.   MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Facilitates the ability of the Dean to manage executive functions by advising the Dean regarding key constituencies, providing context and background information on issues, and coordinating research, projects, meetings and initiatives, as assigned; work with the Dean to establish the strategic priorities for a 12-month period and arrange reporting of priority projects on a regular basis.
• Serves as a member of the College of Engineering Leadership Team and in doing so, works closely with the Dean, and other senior administrators to support institutional responsibilities.
• Hires, supervises and trains Dean’s Office staff, creating workflows and projects that anticipate or respond to needs of the Dean and college.
• Collaborates with staff, faculty and students across the UD campus and the university at large to accomplish projects and support achievement of the UD strategic plan and its goals.
• Serve as the Dean’s primary strategic liaison to internal and external constituencies and committees, representing the Dean as needed.
• Manages Dean’s engagements; advises on strategy and briefing materials, to prepare for delivering messages to various stakeholders.
• Strengthens relationships with Associate Dean’s, Chairs, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other campus units in support of the Dean.
• Serves on various cross-functional teams and programs to promote the vision and direction of the Dean and College of Engineering.
• Participates with the Dean and college leadership in planning, policy development and problem resolution. Provides advice and insights to the Dean for decision-making.
• Actively analyzes, researches, and gathers information from appropriate campus and university leadership and/or offices and for Dean’s briefings. Briefs the Dean on projects, meetings, and appearances.
• Provides insight and knowledge of historical context and data as they relate to current issues and assists in policy development and decision-making.
• Evaluates college programs or functions, policies and procedures; identifies issues and develops alternative solutions which may include changes to programs, policies and procedures.
• Oversees and manages college initiatives and projects, including project management tools and methodologies, managing project teams, and setting and tracking deliverables and timelines. May supervise staff directly or indirectly as appropriate.
• Gather and interpret data, to coordinate, and implement plans and initiatives to further the goals of the college.
  Performs other job-related duties.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred, especially PhD.
• A working knowledge of university administration is essential.
• Seven years of management experience required, preferably in a highly complex, matrixed organization such as a research university.
• Understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment for higher education (legislation, accreditation standards, etc.).
• Knowledge of fundraising (stewardship and cultivation) programs, and best practices.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Highly sophisticated writing and synthesis skills.
• Demonstrated ability to create, compose, and edit correspondence, briefings, talking points and other written materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a highly diverse setting; demonstrated commitment to goals of equity and inclusion.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and