Responsibilities
Under the general direction of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, the Chief of Staff will perform duties as outlined below:
Principal Strategic Advisor and Support to the Deputy Vice Chancellor:
-Serve as principal advisor to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) on academic and student affairs matters essential to the campuses and to the strategic priorities of the CSU.
-Support the DVC by strategically managing projects as they are assigned to Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) from the Trustees, Governor, Legislature or Chancellor to assure all critical parties are consulted from within the Division of ASA and across other divisions within the Chancellor’s Office (CO). Lead and executive project in collaboration with other senior ASA staff.
-Facilitate the ability of the DVC to manage executive functions by advising, providing context and background information on issues, and ensure execution of initiatives and projects by division staff.
-Work in collaboration with executive assistants to ensure DVC is optimally prepared for meetings, executive functions, and bi-monthly Board of Trustees sessions. Be thoughtful of upcoming projects and initiatives.
-Research, analyze, and interpret information, issues, and proposals for the DVC. Ensure proposals align with division goals, communicate directive to staff on behalf of the DVC, and ensure effective follow-through on applicable action items.
-Manage and coordinate special projects/initiatives as needed, including research, evaluation, analysis, and written or oral reports with recommendations for action that have internal or systemwide implications; and evaluates, researches, and develops specific systemwide and/or CO policies and procedures.
-Develop, prepare, and/or review high-level correspondence, reports, scripts, or presentations, dealing with issues and subject matter that requires considerable sensitivity, discretion, judgment or negotiation in replying to inquiries and/or presenting or requesting information with CO or campus staff.
-Serve in a highly visible capacity presenting and/or facilitating conferences and various system-wide meetings with senior leaders from across the system and external partners.
-DVC liaison to Chancellor’s Executive Staff, Provosts/Vice Presidents, CSU Deans, Academic Senate, CSSA, and Academic Affairs division as a whole.
-Serve as the DVC principal point of contact to advise, communicate, and support internal and external parties in the absence of the DVC. Represent the DVC in various settings and meetings as needed.
Leadership and Strategic Guidance to Division:
-Anticipate systemwide academic and student affairs developments, function as a high-level point of resolution, develop alternative approaches, propose strategies, and implement courses of action through the Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellors (AVCs).
-Manage projects and relationships with other CO divisions to ensure their senior leaders (DVC/AVCs) are abreast of decisions affecting their areas. Provide ASA perspective across CO teams.
-Assist division AVCs and department leaders with understanding of assignments and help ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
-Work in collaboration with ASA leadership to identify and shape strategic priorities, facilitate and conduct strategic planning activities to update division mission and goals as needed.
-Interface with leadership and staff at all levels throughout the division, CO, and CSU campuses to coordinate initiatives and resolve issues.
-Assist in orchestrating and synchronizing strategic communications across ASA departments to achieve desired effects and cohesive messaging.
-Serve as the chair and facilitator of bi-weekly leadership team meetings and monthly Division-wide gatherings. Strategic development and planning of agenda that promote cohesion and collaboration.
Policy Development and State Leadership:
-Academic and student affairs policy development, including system and initiative resource allocation.
-Engagement with state leadership on matters related to CSU academic and student affairs.
-Understand and interpret organizational policies and procedures necessary to ensure appropriate decision-making protocols are followed, make recommendations for change. Evaluate, research, and develop specific CSU systemwide and/or CO policies and procedures.
-Serves as primary point of contact on matters related to CSU academic and student affairs for legislative, state administration and national engagement.
-Function as a system liaison on academic and student affairs matters with other educational segments and organizations.
Emerging Trends and Best Practices in Academic and Student Affairs:
-Keep abreast of trends and best practices in academic and student affairs on the national/global levels. Provide recommendations and guidance for ASA-wide efforts in response to its impact.
-Conduct research and analysis, facilitate training and information sessions with ASA, leaders from across the system, and external audiences
Management of Board of Trustees Activities:
-Oversee all necessary activities related to Board of Trustees (BOT) meetings, identify trends and track issues raised by Trustees that require follow up by the DVC and/or ASA leadership.
-In partnership with the ASA Communications lead, collaborate with division leadership to allow for accurate submission of required materials. Develop and/or review materials using discretion and judgment in messaging and content. Provide recommendation for action that may have internal or systemwide implications.
-Attend bimonthly and special pre-BOT meetings to identify and track issues and requests raised by BOT Trustees and staff.
Other Duties as Assigned:
-Perform other related duties as assigned, required, and deemed appropriate in support of Division goals, priorities, and mission.
-Understand and interpret organizational policies and procedures necessary to ensure appropriate decision-making protocols are followed.
-Travel to the CSU campuses and other agencies/organizations as required for the management and support of Academic and Student Affairs projects.