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.
Job Summary
The University of Michigan Law School has an immediate opening for a chief of staff, reporting directly to the dean. The chief of staff will support the dean with managing short- and long-term priorities, initiatives, and activities that relate to the strategic direction and affairs of the law school
The chief of staff will be expected to expand the dean's capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness through leadership on projects, coordination of efforts, preparation of materials, and follow-through on agendas and strategies. The chief of staff will foster internal and external relationships to support the success and work of the law school. This position will collaborate closely with the associate deans, assistant deans, and other members of the administrative leadership team as appropriate to advance the dean's projects and priorities.
The chief of staff must be exceptionally well-organized and attentive to detail, be highly skilled at organizational effectiveness, possess excellent communication skills, and have successful leadership experience. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to build a positive culture and relationships. The chief of staff will perform duties of a sensitive and confidential nature that require discretion, independent judgment, and sound decision-making skills.
Who We Are
Founded in 1859, Michigan Law School is one of the world's leading institutions of legal education and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. Michigan is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation, and enjoys international renown for its intellectual rigor, stunning physical surroundings, preeminent faculty scholarship, and a community noted for collegiality and warmth. Michigan Law has an exceptional and cooperative community of talented and interesting students, with 1000 in the JD and 40 in the LLM program. Our graduates serve with distinction in the private, public, non-profit, and academic sectors, in large numbers in every major market in the nation, as well as internationally. The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is considered among the best places in the United States to live and work.
Responsibilities*
- Advises the dean on a wide range of confidential, complex, and sensitive executive, advisory and strategic matters; particularly on matters involving coordination or partnership with the university's central administration
- Assists the dean by triaging issues that need attention, managing agendas, prioritizing meetings, and preparing or securing necessary materials
- Works closely with colleagues in the Office of the Dean to manage requests, inquiries, and correspondence on behalf of the dean, supplying essential background information to support informed decision-making
- Researches and evaluates emerging issues to advise and inform the dean; supports the dean and the law school's leadership team in responding to and handling emergent issues
- Provides leadership, coordination, and/or strategic support in the planning and launch of new programs and initiatives, including cross-campus collaborations and efforts to enhance areas of strategic focus (e.g., law and technology)
- Advise and coordinate on potential efforts to launch new centers and institutions within the law school and across the university
- Collaborates as needed with members of the law school's administrative leadership team on matters related to the law school's long range plans, strategic initiatives, and priorities
- Responds and acts on behalf of the dean using tact and diplomacy in matters of highly sensitive and confidential nature, including interactions with senior university officials, faculty members, staff, students, and alumni
- Collaborates with colleagues at other U-M schools, colleges, and central offices to advance the mission of the law school and, as needed, to coordinate cross-unit partnerships
- Keeps the dean apprised of significant issues, ensures various perspectives are presented accurately and objectively, and identifies effective approaches to resolve issues
- Maintains familiarity with budgetary matters related to the law school
The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.
Required Qualifications*
- Demonstrated ability to create a positive culture characterized by collaboration and creativity, transparency, trust and credibility
- Law degree (preferably from Michigan) or equivalent graduate training and 6-8 years of directly relevant experience required; previous work experience in a higher education environment and in a chief of staff role is an advantage
- Successful administrative leadership experience within a complex organization, including expertise in organizational effectiveness and familiarity with budgeting and planning processes
- Experience executing a strategic vision through an effective operational model; proven ability to analyze complex situations and recommend possible courses of action
- Ability to organize assigned tasks, prioritize heavy workload, delegate tasks, and develop comprehensive timetables and strategies to meet multiple and constantly changing deadlines; ability to quickly acquire thorough knowledge of local and university policies
- Effective communication skills, diplomacy, and discretion
- Skill in resolving conflict situations and in responding thoughtfully to sensitive situations
- Demonstrated history of successful leadership experience
Desired Qualifications*
- University of Michigan Law School alumni is preferred, but not required
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.