Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board

Description

Stephens College, a pioneer in immersive, student-centered education for nearly two centuries, invites applications for the position of Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board. This senior leadership role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a historic institution that is boldly redefining higher education.

Position Overview

The Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board is a key advisor to the President, ensuring smooth operations and effective governance. As part of the President's senior team, this role manages internal operations, strategic projects, and relationships with the Board of Trustees. This position also supports external partnerships and helps advance the College's mission. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Serve as a confidential advisor and strategic thought partner to the President.
• Anticipate and manage priorities for the President.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration among senior leadership, ensuring alignment and momentum across cross-departmental initiatives that  advance the College’s strategic goals.
• Manage senior staff meetings, including agenda setting, preparation of materials, and follow-up on action items.
• Represent the President, as appropriate, to internal and external constituencies in meetings, crisis response, special initiatives, and campus and community engagements.
• Provide data-driven insights and recommendations to inform decision-making.

Board of Trustees and Governance

• Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees, managing Board operations, governance policies, and trustee engagement.
• Plan and execute Board meetings, retreats, and new trustee orientation.
• Documents and archives all official Board records and ensures compliance with Board resolutions and bylaws.
• Act as a liaison between the Board Chair, trustees, and senior leadership to facilitate effective communication and governance.
• Staff the Trusteeship Committee, supporting trustee recruitment, onboarding, continuing education, succession planning, communications, and recognitions.

External Relations and Advocacy

• In partnership with the President, manage relationships with local, state, and federal government officials, non-profit executives, and business leaders to advance the College’s interests.
• Represent the President and the College at community, alumni, donor, and business events as appropriate.
• Support advocacy efforts on higher education policy, funding opportunities, and institutional initiatives.
• Enhance Stephens’ national visibility and influence through strategic external engagement.

Presidential Communications

• Lead the development of presidential communications, ensuring messaging reflects the College’s mission, advances institutional priorities, and resonates with diverse audiences.
• Ensure consistent and compelling communications with internal and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and media.
• Represent the President at public engagements and with key constituencies as appropriate.

Office of the President Operations

• Oversee the budget, staffing, and day-to-day operations of the Office of the President and Board of Trustees.
• Supervise administrative support staff to ensure high-quality service to the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership. 
• Oversee all events at the College originating from the Office of the President.
• Lead operational planning to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the President’s Office.
• Respond to concerns raised by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members on behalf of the President.

Crisis and Issues Management

• Serve as a key institutional leader during times of crisis or high-stakes decision-making.
• Identify and proactively address emerging challenges affecting the College. 

Requirements

The successful candidate will be an accomplished higher education leader with exceptional strategic, organizational, and relationship management skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education administration.
• Demonstrated expertise in governance, strategic planning, executive operations, and institutional leadership.
• Experience in external relations, government affairs, and stakeholder engagement.

Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of higher education governance and operations.
• Exceptional diplomatic and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse constituencies.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage complex initiatives and foster collaboration across departments.