What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief of Staff, Director of Strategic Initiatives position at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College?
Posting Summary
Working Title
Chief of Staff, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Role Title
12 month Administrative Faculty
Role Code
01126-SW
FLSA
Exempt
Pay Band
00
Position Number
283FA406
Agency
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Agency/Division
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Div)
Work Location
Henrico - 087
Hiring Range
Salary commensurate with the education and experience of the applicant, $98,000 to $120,000.
Emergency/Essential Personnel
Yes
EEO Category
B-Professional
Full Time or Part Time
Full Time
Does this position have telework options? -Telework options are subject to change based on business needs-
Yes
Does this position have a bilingual or multilingual skill requirement or preference?
No
Work Schedule
This position follows a Monday–Friday schedule, generally 40 hours per week. As a senior administrative faculty role supporting the President, the Chief of Staff, Director of Strategic Initiatives must be available for occasional extended hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, to support meetings, presidential engagements, special events, and time-sensitive priorities.
Sensitive Position
Yes
Job Description
Reynolds is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia and serves Virginia’s capital city and five nearby counties. Annually, our four campus sites serve approximately 13,000 credit students and provide training for 7,400 students through the Community College Workforce Alliance. Reynolds is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse, culturally competent staff at all levels of the organization who reflect the demographics of our students. We also believe in providing an ongoing investment in our faculty and staff to deepen their skills and competencies to serve the full range of our student population.
Reynolds Community College seeks an experienced and highly collaborative leader to serve as Chief of Staff, Director of Strategic Initiatives. The role provides high-level strategic, advisory, and operational support to advance the President’s vision and institutional priorities. This role strengthens organizational alignment, ensures disciplined execution, and supports effective communication and decision-making across the college.
Serving as a strategic integrator and trusted thought partner, the Chief of Staff, Director of Strategic Initiatives brings clarity, structure, and momentum to initiatives and decisions that span the institution.
Key Responsibilities
Advising & Strategic Support
Key Responsibilities
Advising & Strategic Support
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the President on institutional issues, emerging opportunities, and high-level decisions.
- Conduct research, prepare briefing materials, and develop options or recommendations on priorities identified by the President.
Execution of Presidential Priorities
- Translate the President’s goals and directives into actionable plans with timelines, deliverables, and accountability measures.
- Track progress on key initiatives; identify and resolve barriers to execution; support cross-functional coordination.
- Develop briefing packets, presentations, and communication materials in close collaboration with Marketing & Communications.
Governance Coordination
- Oversee the collegewide governance structure to ensure efficient operations, consistent documentation, and alignment with institutional goals.
- Serve as the primary liaison between governance bodies, the Cabinet, and the President’s Office.
- Ensure governance agendas, recommendations, and reports are clear, timely, and actionable.
Presidential Communications & Presentation Development
- Partner with Marketing & Communications to prepare speeches, talking points, slide decks, and briefing books for internal and external engagements.
- Ensure all presidential communications reflect the college’s mission, tone, and priorities.
Institutional Events & Engagement
- Lead planning and execution of all-college in-service programs and presidential town halls.
- Coordinate agendas, logistics, and communication strategies for institutional convenings.
- Support the President’s involvement in retreats, special events, and major engagements across the college.
Legislative Affairs & External Relations
- Manage the President’s legislative calendar, including meetings, advocacy events, and relationship-building with elected officials.
- Prepare materials, talking points, and follow-up documentation for legislative engagements.
- Coordinate with external partners, community leaders, and key stakeholders as assigned.
Issues Management & Executive Operations
- Manage sensitive or complex matters requiring sound judgment, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Ensure the President’s time is used effectively through prioritization, briefing preparation, and schedule coordination.
- Lead or support high-priority projects and initiatives directly assigned by the President.
Special Assignments
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution; doctorate preferred.
- Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, government, or a comparable public-sector or nonprofit setting.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
- Proven ability to handle sensitive issues with judgment, tact, and discretion.
- Commitment to the mission of community colleges and to advancing student success for every learner.
Additional Considerations
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a President’s/CEO’s office or in a senior advisor capacity.
- Familiarity with community college governance, state systems of higher education, or public-sector operations.
- Experience in legislative affairs, government relations, or public policy.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and systems-thinking abilities.
Operation of a State Vehicle
No
Supervises Employees
No
Required Travel
Some in-state travel may be required.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
FAC_1787P
Recruitment Type
General Public - G
Number of Vacancies
1
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
12/03/2025
Job Close Date
01/03/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Agency Website
Contact Name
Reynolds HR
Email
talent@reynolds.edu
Phone Number
(804) 523-5249
Special Instructions to Applicants
Additional Information
Background Check Statement Disclaimer
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA Statement
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-Verify Statement
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
Salary : $98,000 - $120,000