Chief of Staff to the Provost

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, NC

2d • 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. 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 plays a critical role in ensuring that the work of the Office of the Provost is coordinated, responsive, and aligned with institutional goals. 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 (e.g., Provost, Vice Provost, Dean, Vice Chancellor, or equivalent executive-level role)
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating cross-functional initiatives or projects involving multiple departments, units, or stakeholders
• Regular, non-disruptive and reliable attendance is required.
• 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 organization.
• Experience working within an Academic Affairs unit in a college or university
• 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)
• Knowledge of higher education governance, policy, and faculty processes (e.g., promotion and tenure)
• Experience working in a complex, decentralized or matrixed organization, such as a higher education institution, government agency, or large organization
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives across administrative and academic units
• Familiarity with enterprise systems (e.g., Workday or similar ERP systems)

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.
• 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.
• Plays a critical role in ensuring that the work of the Office of the Provost is coordinated, responsive, and aligned with institutional goals.
• Creates and maintains 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