Chief of Staff to the Provost

University of Arkansas Fayetteville • Fayetteville, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas invites applications for the Chief of Staff to the Provost, a key leadership role supporting strategic priorities. The Chief of Staff to the Provost serves as a senior advisor and trusted partner to the Provost. This position supports the advancement of academic and institutional priorities by facilitating coordination, communication, and implementation across the units reporting to the Provost. This position is well-suited for a professional with strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments while advancing high-impact work. The Chief of Staff to the Provost serves as a senior advisor and trusted partner to the Provost. This position supports the advancement of academic and institutional priorities by facilitating coordination, communication, and implementation across the units reporting to the Provost. Acting with delegated authority on behalf of the Provost, the Chief of Staff works closely with Vice Provosts, Deans, and other academic leaders to ensure alignment of initiatives, effective follow-through on key priorities, and thoughtful engagement with the university’s shared governance processes. The Chief of Staff also supports the Provost in navigating and maintaining effective relationships with external partners, University of Arkansas System leaders, and other key stakeholders, coordinating with the appropriate university offices to promote alignment and advance institutional priorities. The Chief of Staff plays a critical role in ensuring coordination of communications, requests, and matters directed to or originating from the Office of the Provost. The position assesses and routes inquiries, facilitates timely and appropriate responses, and ensures that communications involving the Provost’s Office are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with university priorities. This role requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate a complex, decentralized academic environment. Regular, non-disruptive and reliable attendance is required, as well as the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least four years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, government, or a similarly complex organization
• At least two years supporting or working directly with senior leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating cross-functional initiatives or projects involving multiple departments, units, or stakeholders
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least eight years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in higher education, government, or a similarly complex organizations
• Demonstrated experience preparing executive-level materials, such as briefings, reports, presentations, or communications for senior leadership
• Experience supporting or participating in institutional processes, initiatives, or governance activities (e.g., strategic planning, policy development, board or committee support, academic or administrative initiatives)

Responsibilities

• Serves as a senior advisor and trusted partner to the Provost.
• Supports the advancement of academic and institutional priorities by facilitating coordination, communication, and implementation across the units reporting to the Provost.
• Acts with delegated authority on behalf of the Provost, working closely with Vice Provosts, Deans, and other academic leaders to ensure alignment of initiatives, effective follow-through on key priorities, and thoughtful engagement with the university’s shared governance processes.
• Supports the Provost in navigating and maintaining effective relationships with external partners, University of Arkansas System leaders, and other key stakeholders, coordinating with the appropriate university offices to promote alignment and advance institutional priorities.
• Plays a critical role in ensuring coordination of communications, requests, and matters directed to or originating from the Office of the Provost.
• Assesses and routes inquiries, facilitates timely and appropriate responses, and ensures that communications involving the Provost’s Office are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with university priorities.
• Requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate a complex, decentralized academic environment.
• Requires regular, non-disruptive and reliable attendance.
• Requires the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• A choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior