Chief of Staff – Office of the President

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.

Salary commensurate with qualifications, education & University guidelines.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Incumbent serves as a member of the senior management team with authority over a wide range of management and technical assignments, and special projects that may be on-going and/or non- recurring in nature.

DIMENSIONS:

Supervise the work of office staff, professionals, consultants and students. Works collaboratively with members of Cabinet and other leaders, including various administrators.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include the Board of Trustees, President, Cabinet, Deans, executives, administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the university. External contacts include parents, consultants, auditors, government officials, representatives from financial institutions, investment managers, law firms, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• The Chief of Staff is responsible for directing the operations of the President’s Office while maintaining constant interface with the President’s Cabinet to ensure that key issues are proactively addressed. The Chief of Staff serves as the President’s liaison to various University-related committees.
• The Chief of Staff will manage the bi-directional flow of communication in and out of the President’s office to ensure consistent and responsive message delivery to key University stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and others.
• Assist in planning (including Howard Forward, developing and establishing policies and goals consistent with organizational objectives and governmental regulations.
• The Chief of Staff will lead and direct specific Howard Forward initiatives within the Strategic Plan.
• The Chief of Staff will oversee all intercollegiate student athletic programs for Howard and lead the development and implementation of “Best in Class” processes to ensure continuous improvement by all teams and individual student athletes.
• The Chief of Staff will coordinate some specific engagement activities with Cabinet around specific strategic and operational matters.
• Generate and coordinate assignments, as needed. Work independently to complete assignments involving the appropriate internal or external contacts.
• Coordinate comprehensive projects and assignments that require coordination of several different offices and/or areas of the University including personnel/management reviews, and special studies.
• Prepare an agenda for each senior staff meeting and provide a summary of discussions and action items resulting from each meeting to attendees, with appropriate follow-up.
• Develop data analysis and write reports for use in executive decision-making. Handle data, communication and projects that are highly privileged and confidential.
• Provide leadership in the development and administration of University or division-wide integrated plans and processes, i.e., accreditation assessments and performance evaluation reviews.
• Build and maintain mutually supportive relationships with all levels of management, staff, outside agencies and vendors, when necessary. Work to remove barriers that hamper inter-and intra-department communications. Coordinate and monitor assignments which must be accomplished in conjunction with other senior executives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and methods utilized in progressive leadership and staff level management.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite); Excel and PowerPoint presentations.
• Skill in management and leadership with the ability to direct programs, staff and cross-functional teams in an efficient and effective manner. Exceptional interpersonal skills including tact, patience, and acumen and the ability to work with many, diverse individuals and groups across various functions.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills and ability to formulate recommendations and improve team dynamics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including creative writing, presentation development and presentation skills.
• Business acumen with the ability to prioritize work actions and follow-up with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, handle multiple priorities, tasks, demands and time sensitive pressurized situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious relations with students, faculty, staff, University officials and the general public.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment; and commitment to completing tasks on time and to the highest ethical and professional standards.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s Degree in Business/Public Administration or related field, and five (5) to eight (8) years of relevant experience and/or an equivalent combination of twelve (12) + years combined higher education/training and experience.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards for the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required as directed by the President of Howard University. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not and should not be construed as a contract for employment.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, or disability. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities, equal employment opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 202-806-1280.