Chief of Staff-VPAA

Chief of Staff-VPAA

Exec VP & VP Academic Affairs - Urbana

Posting Category:

The Chief of Staff serves as a senior advisor and strategic partner to the Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs (EVP/VPAA) of the University of Illinois System. This position plays a critical role in advancing the academic mission of the system by providing executive-level support, managing priorities and initiatives, and ensuring effective communication and coordination within the Office of the EVP/VPAA, across the system, the universities, and with external stakeholders. The Chief of Staff is a member of the EVP/VPAA leadership team and is responsible for overseeing operational and administrative functions to ensure that the EVP/VPAA can focus on high-level leadership and strategic decision-making. This position can be at either Chicago or Urbana-Champaign campus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Advising
1. Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the EVP/VPAA, providing counsel on strategic, organizational, and operational issues.
2. Anticipate and manage emerging issues, challenges, and opportunities that impact the EVP/VPAA portfolio.
3. Facilitate decision-making by ensuring the EVP/VPAA receives timely, accurate, and comprehensive information.
4. Oversee strategic planning and manage the implementation of system-wide initiatives that support the EVP/VPAA’s vision.
5. Provide research, analysis, and recommendations on issues related to academic programs, student success, accreditation, faculty affairs, and other system-level priorities.
6. Partner with institutional leaders within and outside the Office of the EVP/VPAA to advance academic strategy and innovation across the system.

Project & Initiative Management
1. Monitor system-wide academic initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
2. Identify, assign, and monitor cross-institutional projects, working groups, and task forces.
3. Track progress on goals and deliverables, ensuring accountability and timely completion.

Operations & Administration
1. Coordinate with other senior level staff to oversee day-to-day operations of the EVP/VPAA Office, including staff management, workflow, and resource allocation.
2. Manage preparation and follow-up for executive meetings, including Board of Trustees briefings and external meetings
3. Draft and review reports, presentations, communications, and briefing materials on behalf of the EVP/VPAA.
4. Coordinate with other senior level staff and critical operational units on efforts that require cross-system and -university integration and high-level oversight.
5. Serve as the emergency contact for crisis situations for the Office of the EVP/VPAA and cooperates in the planning, coordination and implementation of an institutional response for the system.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
1. Act as a liaison between the EVP/VPAA and senior leadership across the system, universities, academic leaders, faculty governance, and external partners as needed.
2. Facilitate strong communication and collaboration within the EVP/VPAA organization and with other system offices.
3. Represent the EVP/VPAA at internal and external meetings as needed.

Policy & Strategy Development
1. Coordinate research, analysis, and recommendations on policies and issues related to academic programs, student success, accreditation, faculty affairs, and other system-level priorities.
2. Partner with institutional leaders to advance academic strategy and innovation across the system.

QUALIFICATIONS
Educational requirement:
Master’s degree required; terminal degree preferred in higher education, public administration, or related field.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Required:
1. Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, policy, or related fields.

2. Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, initiatives, or operations at a system or university-wide level.

3. Deep understanding of higher education systems, academic affairs, and shared governance.

4. Understanding of the nature and complexity of large organizations and the role of the EVP/VPAA.

5. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with colleagues and system/university leaders.

6. Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects and workflow, manage resources, oversee business and financial matters.

7. Absolute integrity.

8. Highly developed communication skills.

9. Demonstrated leadership ability.

10. Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

11. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to prepare high-level reports and presentations.

12. Capacity to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

13. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and complex environment.

Preferred:
14. Working with executive leadership, governing boards, and academic governance bodies.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is 1/12/2026. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $160,000.00 - 225,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION
For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 12/1/2025.

System Human Resource Services
(217) 333-2600
erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting the System Human Resource Services at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.

Requisition ID: req2770
Job Category: Academic Professional
Campus Location: Urbana