Chief of Staff

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) at the University of Michigan seeks a Chief of Staff who will be a high-level, trusted strategic advisor to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management (VPEM). This position will serve as a thought partner and leader, oversee special projects, manage administrative functions and coordinate communications for the VPEM.

The Chief of Staff will partner with the OEM executive team in planning and executing strategic initiatives and priorities across enrollment management, and projects with cross-campus impact working closely with the VPEM. The Chief of Staff will represent the VPEM to internal and external constituencies, serve on committees and attend meetings as assigned.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan is a premier public research university with over 52,000 students including more than 33,000 undergraduates, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and affordability. U-M is in high demand having received about 93,000 undergraduate first-year and transfer applications in the fall of 2023 and enrolling 8,800 incoming students.

Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) manages U-M's enrollment function to efficiently optimize students experiences throughout their engagement, from prospect to alumni. The division collaborates with campus partners, faculty, and staff, in support of the university's mission and commitment to academic quality, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

OEM comprises a dedicated team of more than 200 full-time staff members, and up to 400 additional student and temporary staff and is structured in five operational units the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of New Student Programs, the Office of the Registrar, and OEM Administration. OEM strives to provide excellence in access and support to diverse and inspiring learners who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Responsibilities*

VPEM Support

• Provide oversight of internal and external communications for the VPEM by researching and preparing reports, presentations, and talking points for executive-level meetings and events. Partner with content experts to write communications and responses on behalf of the VPEM.
• Prepare briefings for the VPEM meetings and events, ensure follow-up from those meetings, and keep the VPEM sufficiently informed of important matters affecting OEM. Provide VPEM with information to make informed decisions.
• Develop and draft policies or reports to meet VPEM needs. Ensure the VPEM reviews and shares necessary information to the OEM executive team, staff and appropriate stakeholders.
• Respond and act on behalf of the VPEM in matters of a highly sensitive and confidential nature, including interactions with senior university officials, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Communicate the intent of the VPEM to the various leadership positions in writing and in person, and represent the VPEM at meetings and events as assigned.
• Guide the development and implementation of executive-level, cross-functional initiatives. Build an atmosphere of coordination, clear understanding of the VPEM's vision, defined timelines, metrics, and deliverables.
• Oversee VPEM initiatives and special projects. Translate strategic and tactical business plans into operational plans. Troubleshoot and elevate issues to deliver high-priority projects with success and urgency.
• Anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot issues of concern or significance. Provide advice, timely information, and operational support in response to campus, local and national issues, important projects, and trends affecting OEM.

Strategic Planning

• Partner with the VPEM to shape OEM's short and long-term strategic goals and priorities. Guide strategic planning and implementation across the OEM, and direct a broad range of executive level initiatives to ensure institutional alignment.
• Assist the VPEM in addressing complex issues and making strategic decisions through partnership and provision of options and alternatives based on data, benchmarking, market trends, risk assessment and inputs from multiple sources.
• Build relationships to serve as a resource for the VPEM, and partner with others to resolve complex issues and help move forward strategic priorities.

Administrative Management

• Direct and coordinate the administrative support and project facilitations for the VPEM.
• Lead a team of experienced professionals and support staff in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment. Manage and coordinate administrative responsibilities of the VPEM Office.
• Partner with the OEM executive team to facilitate meetings, track processes and collaborate with senior leaders on priorities.
• Streamline administrative processes, policies and procedures across OEM.
• Assist with ad hoc or emerging matters, and troubleshoot with partners across and external to U-M campus.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Seven years of strategic work experience with executives, senior leaders and stakeholders, preferably in educational settings or other similarly situated environments.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills with an ability to speak to a variety of audiences, transform ambiguity into clarity, and write clear and concise documents.
• Proven experience with strategic planning, and program or project management.
• Demonstrated experience gathering data and analyzing information to inform and implement strategic vision, and assist in achieving organizational goals.
• The ability to work with multiple individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Demonstrated experience working in a complex and fast-paced office with multiple, simultaneous responsibilities.
• Impeccable judgment (sensitivity and discretion) in handling confidential materials and situations.
• Demonstrated history of successful management experience with strong business and political acumen.
• Experience managing and leading teams and projects directly or through influence.

Additional Information

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

The Office of Enrollment Management requires a hybrid work arrangement of minimally three days on-site and two remote days. Thursdays are required as an on-site work day for all, and this leadership role may require work onsite most days to fully support the VPEM.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.