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 Chief of Staff (& Advisor) serves as a key aide and strategic partner to the Vice President for Facilities & Operations (VPFO), advancing the VP's strategic agenda across a diverse portfolio. This senior role provides high-level coordination, project management, and executive support, while enhancing cross-functional communication and supporting departmental initiatives in line with organizational priorities. As a central link between the VP, the F&O leadership team, campus colleagues, and external partners, the Chief of Staff supports strategic goals, monitors progress, coordinates key initiatives, and represents the VPFO as needed. This role requires sound judgment, discretion in handling sensitive matters, and a respectful, inclusive leadership style.
This is a primarily on-site position (five days per week) and may require after-hours commitments and occasional travel.
Responsibilities*
Strategic Leadership & Execution
- Advise, brief, and support the VPFO on strategic initiatives, operations, and priorities.
- Coordinate and monitor progress on organizational and university-wide goals and initiatives.
- Manage and optimize executive workflows, ensuring the VP's focus remains on high-priority issues.
- Coordinate regular F&O lead team meetings.
Communication & Liaison
- Serve as a central point of contact for F&O executive communications with internal and external stakeholders.
- Draft or review critical correspondence, presentations, and reports for the VP.
- Facilitate cross-unit communication, ensuring alignment and information flow.
Operational & Project Management
- Oversee and support special projects, task forces, and working groups initiated by the VP.
- Track action items and ensure timely completion by responsible parties.
- Manage executive-level meetings, agendas, and follow-up.
Organizational Effectiveness
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture.
- Support the VP in managing sensitive matters, confidential information, and crisis issues.
- Campus/External Relations
- Represent the VP F&O at meetings and events as directed.
- Prepare briefing materials, reports, and summaries for university leadership and committees.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree highly preferred
- At least 5 years of demonstrated relevant experience in a high-level academic or executive setting
- Unwavering personal and professional ethics and integrity
- Strong communication, project management, and problem solving skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with Facilities and Operations departments is desirable
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.
Additional Information
Facilities and Operations is a positive organization dedicated to the principles of being respectful, collaborative, solutions-based, and proactive.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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.