Chief of Staff to the President/CEO

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Chief of Staff to the President/CEO serves as the President's principal strategic advisor and administrative partner and is responsible for advancing the priorities, initiatives, and daily operations of the Office of the President. As a member of the President's senior leadership team, the Chief of Staff provides executive-level support in planning, coordination, project management, institutional effectiveness, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in helping the President advance Talladega College's vision of  Reimagining Liberal Arts Education through innovation, student success, workforce relevance, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships. The position serves as a liaison among the President, Board of Trustees, Executive Cabinet, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment, accountability, and execution of institutional priorities.

The Chief of Staff must possess exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, project management, and relationship-building skills while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Key ResponsibilitiesPresidential Operations and Strategic Initiatives

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and provide support on strategic, operational, and institutional matters.

• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of presidential priorities, strategic initiatives, and special projects.

• Assist the President in advancing the College's strategic vision and institutional goals.

• Manage executive-level projects and initiatives that span multiple departments and divisions.

• Prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, talking points, correspondence, and executive summaries for the President.

• Track progress on presidential directives and ensure timely follow-up and completion of assigned action items.

• Conduct research and analysis on institutional, higher education, legislative, and policy matters impacting the College.

• Support crisis management and executive decision-making processes as needed.

Board of Trustees Relations and Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Office of the President and the Board of Trustees.

• Coordinate all logistics related to Board of Trustees meetings, committee meetings, retreats, and special sessions.

• Prepare Board agendas, reports, resolutions, supporting documentation, and meeting materials.

• Ensure timely distribution of Board materials and communication with trustees.

• Monitor and track Board actions and assist with implementation of Board directives.

• Maintain official Board records, minutes, and governance documents as assigned.

• Assist the President and Board Chair in fostering effective governance practices and trustee engagement.

Executive Cabinet Coordination and Institutional Accountability

• Coordinate Executive Cabinet meetings and retreats.

• Develop agendas, meeting materials, and action-item summaries.

• Monitor institutional progress toward strategic goals and key performance indicators.

• Develop accountability systems to track institutional initiatives and executive-level projects.

• Work collaboratively with Cabinet members to facilitate communication, coordination, and execution of institutional priorities.

• Support institutional planning, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts.

Community, Governmental, and External Relations

• Represent the President and the College at meetings, events, and community functions as assigned.

• Assist with cultivating and maintaining relationships with alumni, donors, elected officials, community leaders, corporate partners, foundations, and other external stakeholders.

• Coordinate governmental affairs activities and monitor legislative issues affecting higher education.

• Assist with developing partnerships that support enrollment growth, workforce development, student success, fundraising, and community engagement.

• Support the planning and execution of presidential events, institutional ceremonies, and special initiatives.

Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance

• Partner with executive leadership to assess institutional operations, policies, and procedures for effectiveness and alignment with strategic priorities.

• Assist with accreditation-related initiatives, institutional reporting, and compliance requirements.

• Review policies, procedures, memoranda of understanding, contracts, and other institutional documents as assigned.

• Identify operational challenges and recommend solutions that improve institutional effectiveness and efficiency.

• Provide regular reports and updates to the President and Board of Trustees regarding strategic initiatives and institutional priorities.

Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities

• Supervise assigned staff, interns, and student workers within the Office of the President.

• Promote a culture of excellence, accountability, customer service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Communications, or a related field required.

• Doctorate, Juris Doctor, or other terminal degree preferred.

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership, management, or executive-level administrative experience.

• Demonstrated experience supporting executive leadership, boards, governing bodies, or senior administrators.

• Strong understanding of higher education administration, governance, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness.

• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, complex projects, and sensitive matters simultaneously.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality.

• Experience working at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a strong appreciation for the mission and value of HBCUs is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strategic planning and project management.

• Executive-level communication and relationship management.

• Board governance and trustee relations.

• Institutional assessment and accountability.

• Policy development and implementation.

• Event planning and executive protocol.

• Community engagement and governmental relations.

• Leadership, collaboration, and consensus building.

• Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Application Submission

Applications must include:

1. Talladega College Employment Application

2. Cover Letter addressing qualifications and leadership philosophy

3. Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume

4. Copies of unofficial transcripts from all degree-granting institutions

5. Contact information for three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Talladega College is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse educational and work environment that values inclusion, excellence, integrity, innovation, and student success.

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