Chief of Staff, Office of the Dean, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

30d

About The Position

As the Dean’s senior strategic partner and principal advisor, the Chief of Staff is responsible for advancing the mission and priorities of Trinity College of Arts & Sciences through exceptional organizational leadership, coordination, and execution. This role requires a unique combination of strategic judgment, operational excellence, political acumen, and emotional intelligence. The Chief of Staff functions as one extension of the Dean within the leadership team, helping represent the Dean’s perspective, managing institutional relationships, and ensuring that the College’s priorities are advanced with discipline, coherence, and clarity. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chief of Staff provides leadership across the Dean’s Office, overseeing strategic communications, special projects, faculty governance engagement, and Trinity Board of Visitors liaison functions. The Chief of Staff also serves as the Dean’s senior advisor and trusted representative, ensuring continuity of leadership and decision-making when operational or strategic demands require it.

Requirements

Work generally requires organizational, analytical and communication skills normally acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree program.
Seven years of administration, management, or supervisory experience (including project management) is required.
OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or a similarly complex organization
At least eight years of administrative, management/supervisory, and project management experience
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and navigate complex stakeholder environments
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and develop practical solutions
Deep understanding of academic culture, governance, and institutional decision-making
Experience managing communications, special projects, and/or board relations within a higher education setting
Familiarity with Duke University systems, policies, and administrative processes
Exceptional organizational, project management, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, along with a communication style that reflects maturity, poise, sensitivity, and collaboration
Ability to communicate, collaborate, and lead in ways that foster understanding, engagement, progress, and effective resolution
Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, meet deadlines, and guide others in doing the same
High energy, ability to multitask, and a creative approach to problem solving

Responsibilities

Serve as a principal advisor to the Dean on institutional priorities, governance matters, and organizational challenges.
Coordinate execution of the College’s strategic ambitions, ensuring follow-through, accountability, and alignment across divisions.
Represent the Dean’s perspective in meetings, committees, and institutional decision-making processes.
Support continuity and coordination in the Dean’s absence, as appropriate.
Anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities, providing strategic counsel grounded in political and institutional insight.
Lead the Dean’s Office in issue-response, crisis coordination, and reputational risk management, partnering with University Communications, Legal, and senior leadership.
Coordinate operations within the Dean’s Office, ensuring effective coordination, communication, and workflow across the senior leadership team.
Facilitate effective information flow to and from the Dean, helping ensure decisions are well-informed and implemented with precision.
Facilitate alignment among the activities of divisional deans, department chairs, and administrative partners to support the Dean’s strategic agenda.
Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Communications and Marketing to develop and implement strategic communications for the Dean’s Office, including internal messaging, institutional statements, and leadership correspondence.
Partner with the College’s Office of Communications to ensure clarity, tone, and consistency in representing the Dean’s voice and Trinity’s priorities.
Support the Dean’s preparation for speeches, public remarks, and stakeholder communications.
Support the Dean’s engagement with the Trinity College Board of Visitors, including planning for the board’s twice-annual meetings, and coordinating with the Development office and university partners supporting the Duke Board of Trustees.
Lead and coordinate special projects of strategic importance to the Dean and the College.
Translate high-level goals into actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
May manage a small portfolio of temporary project staff to support strategic execution and institutional innovation.
Ensure regular tracking and reporting of progress on initiatives to the Dean and senior leadership.
Engage with faculty governance bodies, department chairs, and elected committees to ensure alignment between the Dean’s strategic agenda and faculty priorities.
Facilitate communication and consultation processes that respect shared governance and promote institutional transparency.
Serve as a trusted bridge between administrative leadership and the faculty community, ensuring context, trust, and clarity in decision-making.
Represent the Dean in internal and external engagements as delegated.
Maintain trusted relationships with senior university leaders, faculty, staff, students, and donors.
Serve as a key conduit between the Dean’s Office and central administration, including the Provost’s Office, Communications, and other university divisions.
Exercise discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential information and politically sensitive issues.