Job Summary:

The Chief of Staff (COS) is critical in advancing the university’s mission by providing strategic oversight and operational coordination at the highest level. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the COS serves as the principal administrative advisor, ensuring the seamless execution of institutional priorities, policies, and initiatives. As a key member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the COS collaborates closely with senior leadership to drive strategic decision-making, enhance organizational efficiency, and align resources to support the university’s long-term goals. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying challenges, developing innovative solutions, and implementing strategies that foster institutional excellence.

Additionally, the COS serves as a vital advisor and liaison to the Board of Trustees, overseeing the maintenance of Board meeting minutes and historical records to ensure transparency and continuity in governance.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:

1. Leadership of Strategic Initiatives - Serves as a senior representative of the Office of the Chancellor, working collaboratively with senior leaders and managing office staff to execute complex, university-wide initiatives. Acts as the primary liaison between the Chancellor’s Office and internal stakeholders, community leaders, government entities, and external partners to advance institutional priorities.
2. Institutional Alignment and Strategic Execution—Ensures alignment with the university's strategic plan by working closely with the Chancellor’s Cabinet to define and implement key initiatives that support the institutional mission and values. Provides executive-level guidance to ensure university priorities are well-coordinated, resource-efficient, and outcome-driven.
3. Board of Trustees Liaison - As a key advisor and liaison to the Board Chair and Executive Committee, ensuring effective communication and coordination between the Chancellor’s Office and governance bodies. Prepares and distributes meeting agendas, reports, and other materials while overseeing board logistics, retreats, and documentation. Ensures accurate recording and secure maintenance of Board meeting minutes and historical records.
4. Provides Policy Governance Support—Coordinating with the Chancellor’s Cabinet and university leaders, the COS provides input to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees on institutional policies, strategic priorities, and governance matters. Coordinates the dissemination and review of university policies as provided by the cabinet.
5. Institutional Performance and Accountability - Collaborates with university leadership to communicate and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that measure institutional progress and effectiveness.
6. Leadership and Development of Office Staff—Directly supervise the Deputy Chief of Staff and other staff within the Chancellor’s Office, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting professional development opportunities. Supports the planning and execution of the Chancellor’s public appearances, events with stakeholders, and community outreach efforts.
7. Executive Cabinet Operations - Plans and coordinates Cabinet meetings and retreats, setting strategic agendas, guiding discussions, tracking action items, and ensuring follow-through on key initiatives. Provides executive-level administrative support to Cabinet functions, decision-making processes, and internal communication efforts.
8. Representation on Institutional and External Platforms - Serves as a trusted proxy for the Chancellor at high-level meetings, events, and engagements, internally and externally, reinforcing institutional priorities and partnerships.
9. Executive Communications Oversight - Works closely with the Director of Executive Communications to develop and disseminate high-level messages from the Chancellor, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with institutional goals. Review and refine briefing materials, talking points, executive reports, and correspondence.
10. Executive Performance Review Coordination—Facilitates the annual executive performance evaluation process by gathering feedback, compiling assessments, drafting evaluations, and coordinating review meetings according to university policies.
11. Executive Search and Recruitment Support - Collaborates with Human Resources and external search firms to coordinate leadership searches, oversees coordination of campus visits for candidates, and facilitates engagement between senior administrators, Board members, and candidates. Serves as the Chancellor’s Office liaison for executive search committees.
12. Integrity, Confidentiality, and Diplomacy - Upholds the highest standards of discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive university matters. Manage situations with diplomacy, sensitivity, and professionalism, fostering collaboration across the university community.
13. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building - Cultivates strong relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, Trustees, and other stakeholders to enhance institutional engagement and support.
14. Performs other executive-level duties as assigned to support the Chancellor’s vision and institutional priorities.

Required Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree.
• 10 years of executive or leadership experience at the highest level in higher education, public administration, or business. or a field directly related to higher education.
• This position demands a seasoned leader with extensive demonstrated experience in higher education administration, strategic planning, and executive-level decision-making.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Professional designation or certification relevant to the role.
• Previous experience in higher education leadership at the executive level.

Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be insurable under the university motor vehicle requirements.

Preferred Licensure, Certification, and/or Specialized Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of budget development and monitoring procedures.
• Knowledge of service-focused approach in a wide variety of situations.
• Skill in writing and oral presentation/communication skills.
• Skill in Microsoft Office software and Microsoft Windows navigation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and complex situations with confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to manage situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to review and make recommendations to improve and streamline operations.
• Ability to train and lead staff.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple and varied constituencies.
• Ability to create and maintain partnerships.
• Ability to apply University policy in a wide variety of situations.

TCU Core Competencies:

University Core Competencies definitions may be found on the Human Resources website and in the staff performance management system.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Visual acuity to read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Able to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects and equipment up to 10 lbs.

Work Environment:

• Work is indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours.
• This role is an on campus, in-person position.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement:

As an AA/EEO employer, TCU recruits, hires, and promotes qualified persons in all job classifications without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.