Chief of Staff and Vice President for Presidential Operations

Chief of Staff and Vice President for Presidential Operations Job No: 559452 | Work Type: Management (MPP) | Location: Pomona | Category: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the University and is responsible for all operational and strategic aspects of the institution, including student recruitment, retention, and graduation, academic policies, budgets, personnel policies, external outreach, collaboration, and fundraising. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President's Cabinet, the Chief of Staff and Vice President for Presidential Operations serves as a senior advisor who provides strategic counsel, executive leadership, and operational coordination in support of institutional priorities and presidential initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Cabinet Support Key member of the President’s Cabinet providing strategic counsel on priorities, policies, and organizational matters. Collaborate with Cabinet and senior administrators to advance and implement initiatives and priorities. Act independently within broad policy and organizational guidelines, exercising sound judgment on complex and sensitive matters. Identify emerging campus and systemwide issues, research implications, and develop recommendations for presidential consideration. Provide leadership and input on key university initiatives directed by the President. Presidential Liaison and Advisory Support Primary liaison for the President’s Office with campus constituents, community stakeholders, and external partners. Represent the President at campus and external meetings and events as appropriate. Advise on campus, CSU, legal, contractual, and community matters including sensitive and high-impact issues. Review and provide input on contracts, agreements, and other matters presented on behalf of the President. Interact with University Counsel and partners on legal and policy issues, providing recommendations to the President as needed. Identify and elevate potential problems, risks, or concerns affecting policies, procedures, personnel, and operations. Communications and Executive Operations Develop high‑level briefing materials, reports, presentations, correspondence, and other executive communications on behalf of the President. Review, edit, and track critical strategic communications and documents prepared for the President’s signature or review. Coordinate research, analysis, and evaluation to support decision‑making and executive action. Ensure the President is fully apprised of key issues, timelines, and implementation progress related to institutional priorities. Support management of the varied requests, obligations, and administrative needs of the President’s Office. Coordinate the completion of required reports and time‑sensitive deliverables to internal and external entities. Lead executive communications in close partnership with the director of executive communications to ensure speeches, remarks, and correspondence reflect the President’s voice. Supervision and Administration Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to staff and functional areas assigned to the President’s Office. Serve as the President’s designee for NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA compliance, working closely with the Director of Tribal Relations and NAGPRA coordinator. Supervise the campus Civil Rights program in collaboration with the AVP for Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. Supervise designated personnel and evaluate the work of administrative and support staff assigned to the office. Support staffing, budget administration, office operations, and coordination of executive workflows within the President’s Office. Coordinate special events with University Events staff, CSU Trustee visits, and other executive‑level activities requiring cross‑campus collaboration. Other Duties as Assigned Lead or support sensitive investigations, dispute resolution efforts, and other special assignments as directed. Perform other job‑related duties and special projects in support of the President and the university.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Driver’s license, valid and in state – required upon hire. Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience in executive leadership, administration, strategic planning, policy development, or operations in a complex organization. Demonstrated experience supporting senior executives, coordinating complex organizational priorities across multiple stakeholders, and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external constituents. Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage competing priorities, and drive follow‑through in a fast‑paced environment. Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy in handling confidential, sensitive, and politically nuanced matters. Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including preparation of executive correspondence, presentations, and briefing materials. Demonstrated knowledge of executive operations and higher education governance, policy, and administrative processes within a complex organizational environment. Demonstrated initiative, ownership, and strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, including the ability to assess risk and recommend appropriate action.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in higher education, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Experience working in higher education, the California State University system, or another large and complex public‑sector organization, with demonstrated knowledge of and experience in a shared governance environment. Experience serving in a chief of staff, executive officer, cabinet‑level support, or comparable senior leadership role. Experience advising executive leadership on policy, governance, communications, and strategic initiatives. Experience managing budgets, supervising staff, and coordinating institutional projects with campus‑wide impact. Experience managing sensitive, institutional risk, and compliance matters.

SALARY AND TOTAL REWARDS

The salary for this position ranges from $300,000 to $315,000 annually, commensurate with skills and qualifications. Benefits include employer‑paid dental and vision, CalPERS pension, generous paid leave, and tuition fee waiver benefits.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. The university complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, California’s Equity in Higher Education Act, and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.