Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy

UVA Health System • Newcomb Hall, VA

250d

About The Position

The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia is seeking a Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives (COS). The Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives (COS) supports the Dean's Office in a wide range of duties with the goal of maximizing the Dean's efficiency and effectiveness is advancing the mission and strategy of the Batten School.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; MPP, MPA, JD, or other graduate degree strongly preferred.
• At least eight years of relevant experience or Master's degree with at least six years of relevant experience.
• Experience in higher education and UVA is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, project management, and organizational skills.
• Service mindset with strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously.
• Flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with operational follow-through.
• Tact, discretion, and experience handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Full proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Strategic thought partner and advisor to the dean, helping to set priorities for scheduling, travel, communications, and strategic initiatives.
• Sustain a well-informed, big picture view of school context, strategy, and challenges plus regular listening for input from faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• Assess how well the dean's office is functioning and recommend ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Serve as a surrogate for the dean, representing the dean in communications and engagement with Batten staff, faculty, and other UVA or external partners.
• Provide a soft 'gatekeeping' role to protect the dean's time and energy and ensure that materials submitted to the dean are ready for consideration and decision-making.
• Draft communications for the dean, including remarks, speeches, community messages, and significant correspondence.
• Oversee the planning, development, and dissemination of executive communication to advance School objectives.
• Lead selected initiatives and projects as directed by the dean, including oversight of the Batten2030 strategic plan and associated monitoring and reporting of progress.
• Oversee the annual Thomas Jefferson Medalist process for the Batten School and other high-profile events.
• Prepare for Batten Foundation Advisory Board meetings and engagements.
• Champion a high-performance culture across the organization.

Benefits

• Full-time, Exempt-level, benefited position.
• Compensation commensurate with qualifications.
• Access to a comprehensive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Master's degree