Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff serves as a senior advisor and strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor for Administration, supporting the execution of a broad and evolving portfolio that spans campus operations, public safety, institutional initiatives, and the campus network.

Operating at the intersection of strategy, leadership, and communication, the Chief of Staff translates institutional priorities into coordinated action across a complex, matrixed organization. The role ensures alignment across diverse functional areas, advances high-impact initiatives, and supports effective decision-making at the most senior levels of the university. The Chief of Staff must demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate ambiguity while maintaining momentum across multiple, often competing priorities.

About the Work Unit

The Division of Administration supports Vanderbilt University’s academic mission by delivering essential services that ensure a safe, effective, and high-performing campus environment. The division’s portfolio includes public safety, auxiliary services, equal access, and major institutional initiatives such as Dialogue Vanderbilt and the university’s expanding campus network.

The Division plays a central role in advancing university-wide priorities, including campus safety modernization, institutional policy development, and values-driven leadership initiatives focused on open inquiry, institutional neutrality, and civil discourse.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice Chancellor, providing candid counsel, strategic insight, and decision support across a broad and evolving portfolio 
• Support the Vice Chancellor in setting priorities and advancing high-impact initiatives, including those delegated by the Chancellor 
• Anticipate emerging issues and ensure the Vice Chancellor is prepared to engage effectively across institutional and external contexts 
• Lead the development of executive communications, including speeches, presentations, talking points, and written materials 
• Translate complex institutional priorities into clear, compelling messaging and ensure alignment across communications tied to the Vice Chancellor’s portfolio 
• Act with delegated authority on behalf of the Vice Chancellor in interactions with senior leaders, faculty, and external partners, representing the Division’s priorities and perspective 
• Act as a primary liaison to the Board of Trust office, coordinating materials, briefings, and follow-up 
• Facilitate coordination across administrative and academic units, ensuring alignment and effective execution of shared priorities 
• Partner closely with the Chief Operating Officer and division leadership to monitor progress, drive performance, and advance strategic and operational goals 
• Foster a strong, aligned, and high-performing culture across the Division of Administration, reinforcing shared expectations around collaboration, accountability, and execution
• Lead the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, including supervision of the Senior Executive Assistant and project management support, and contribute to a high-performing, collaborative culture

Supervisory Relationships

This position supervises a project manager and the Senior Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor and may oversee additional staff or project teams as assigned. The position reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Administration.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required 
• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience is preferred

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic, operational, or leadership roles within complex, matrixed organizations
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including significant experience developing executive-level communications and materials
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex issues and translate them into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
• Proven ability to influence, collaborate, and build trust across senior leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing competing priorities in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments with a high degree of independence
• Experience supporting senior executives and preparing materials for Board-level engagement and governance processes
• Understanding of higher education operations and governance is strongly preferred