Chief of Staff

Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Chief of Staff. The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $170,004 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Classification

Administrator III

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Chief of Staff to be responsible for providing high-level strategic advising and direction to the DVC. The Chief of Staff will serve as the principal advisor on policy development and strategies to accomplish the priorities, goals and objectives of the CSU and the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. The Chief of Staff serves as a key member of the division leadership team providing insight and support and collaborates with division leadership to identify and shape strategic priorities. The incumbent will monitor and ensure effective resolution of projects by Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellors and ensure that the DVC is optimally prepared and briefed on current and emerging matters in academic and student affairs.

The Chief of Staff works in close collaboration with leaders external to the Office of the Chancellor including Presidents, Provosts, Vice Presidents of Student Affairs, the Academic Senate of the CSU leadership, California State Student Association leadership, and state officials regarding academic and student affairs matters. The Chief of Staff represents the Division of ASA in the absence of the DVC.

This position is approved for telecommuting (two days telecommuting, three days in office (in-person)) with onsite work at the main headquarters located in Long Beach, California.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, the Chief of Staff will perform duties as outlined below:

Principal Strategic Advisor and Support to the Deputy Vice Chancellor:

-Serve as principal advisor to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) on academic and student affairs matters essential to the campuses and to the strategic priorities of the CSU.

-Support the DVC by strategically managing projects as they are assigned to Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) from the Trustees, Governor, Legislature or Chancellor to assure all critical parties are consulted from within the Division of ASA and across other divisions within the Chancellor's Office (CO). Lead and executive project in collaboration with other senior ASA staff.

-Facilitate the ability of the DVC to manage executive functions by advising, providing context and background information on issues, and ensure execution of initiatives and projects by division staff.

-Work in collaboration with executive assistants to ensure DVC is optimally prepared for meetings, executive functions, and bi-monthly Board of Trustees sessions. Be thoughtful of upcoming projects and initiatives. 

-Research, analyze, and interpret information, issues, and proposals for the DVC. Ensure proposals align with division goals, communicate directive to staff on behalf of the DVC, and ensure effective follow-through on applicable action items.

-Manage and coordinate special projects/initiatives as needed, including research, evaluation, analysis, and written or oral reports with recommendations for action that have internal or systemwide implications; and evaluates, researches, and develops specific systemwide and/or CO policies and procedures.

-Develop, prepare, and/or review high-level correspondence, reports, scripts, or presentations, dealing with issues and subject matter that requires considerable sensitivity, discretion, judgment or negotiation in replying to inquiries and/or presenting or requesting information with CO or campus staff.

-Serve in a highly visible capacity presenting and/or facilitating conferences and various system-wide meetings with senior leaders from across the system and external partners.

-DVC liaison to Chancellor's Executive Staff, Provosts/Vice Presidents, CSU Deans, Academic Senate, CSSA, and Academic Affairs div