Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff oversees division-wide operations, guiding the implementation of key initiatives and leading the development and alignment of policies, procedures, and systems to ensure effective and efficient workflows. The position serves as a strategic partner to the Vice President and is responsible for managing day-to-day administrative and operational priorities, facilitating internal communication, and supporting the division's goals around access, efficiency, and innovation.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the
employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here

Operational Leadership & Oversight

• Direct and oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational activities of the Enrollment Management division.
  
• Lead the development and refinement of internal operational systems, ensuring alignment with university policies, compliance requirements, and best practices in higher education.
  
• Lead Human Resources planning and practice for the division.
  
• Monitor, evaluate, and improve business processes to enhance efficiency, eliminate redundancy, and support continuous improvement.
  
• Partner with department leads to identify resource and operational needs; lead efforts to ensure resource optimization and scalability of operations.
  
• Develop, maintain, and communicate divisional standard operating procedures and business continuity plans.
  
• Track and manage progress toward strategic initiatives and operational goals, using data and project management tools to drive accountability.

Strategic and Executive Support

• Provide strategic counsel and planning support to the Vice President on high-priority initiatives, cross-divisional projects, and emerging issues.
  
• Represent the Vice President in key internal and external meetings, ensuring continuity of leadership, decision-making, and follow-through.
  
• Serve as a liaison with senior university administrators and external stakeholders; communicate decisions, initiatives, and priorities on behalf of the VP.
  
• Prepare briefings, talking points, presentations, and special reports for the Vice President.

Divisional Communication and Coordination

• Develop and implement clear communication strategies to ensure transparency and alignment across Enrollment Management units.
  
• Lead the planning and facilitation of regular division-wide meetings.
  
• Coordinate efforts among departments to resolve cross-functional issues and implement shared goals.
  

Talent, Culture, and Professional Development

• Drive employee recognition and professional development efforts across the division, fostering a strong, supportive, and mission-driven team culture.
  
• Collaborate on staffing strategies, organizational design, and succession planning to support long-term divisional growth.
  
• Lead efforts to anticipate future workforce needs in support of Enrollment Management's evolving goals.
  

Policy and Compliance Support

• Provide operational interpretation and support for compliance with university, state, and federal regulations affecting enrollment management functions.
  
• Develop internal frameworks and controls to ensure sound operational practices and risk mitigation.
  

Research and Environmental Scanning

• Monitor national and regional trends in enrollment, admissions, financial aid, and higher education policy.
  
• Track relevant media coverage and industry updates, delivering timely insights and recommendations to the Vice President.
  
• Conduct internal and external research to support strategic planning and decision-making.
  

Other Key Duties

• Serve on university committees and task forces as assigned.
  
• Build and maintain partnerships with third-party vendors and consultants.
  
• Supervise Administrative Operations Manager and work closely to manage the Vice President's calendar, logistics, and preparation for key events.
  
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge and understanding of operational and administrative functions in higher education, including enrollment management, admissions, financial aid, and student services.
  
• Familiar knowledge of university governance, policy development, and compliance frameworks at the institutional, state, and federal levels.
  
• Knowledge of project management principles and business process improvement strategies.
  
• Awareness of current trends in higher education related to access, student success, and enrollment strategy.
  
• Strong strategic thinking and planning skills with a proven ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for various audiences and prepare high-level reports, presentations, and briefings.
  
• Advanced interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, staff, faculty, and external stakeholders.
  
• Proficiency in using data, analytics, and project management tools to drive outcomes and manage progress.
  
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including staff supervision, conflict resolution, and team-building.
  
• Ability to navigate a complex and fast-paced environment while managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
  
• Ability to anticipate and address operational challenges with a proactive, solutions-focused approach.
  
• Ability to foster a collaborative, supportive, and values-driven culture across diverse teams.
  
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy in handling confidential and sensitive matters.
  
• Ability to align operational strategies with institutional priorities and translate vision into action through detailed execution and follow-through.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.