Chief of Staff

Los Angeles Community College District • Los Angeles, CA

13d

About The Position

Serves as the key advisor to the Chancellor to translate goals and vision into plans of action; provides counsel on complex and sensitive issues; ensures alignment of operations and policies with the District’s strategic priorities and Board goals; plans, coordinates, and directs the operations related to the District’s governmental and legislative affairs, public affairs and communications, institutional advancement, and safety and security services.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Principles, practices and methods of governmental affairs, education policy, and advocacy
• Resource development and donor relations
• Principles, procedures, and standards of institutional safety and emergency management
• Pertinent local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations
• Strategic planning concepts, theories, and practices
• Techniques for project management and collaborative goal development
• Community colleges mission and their place in the higher education landscape
• Missions, goals, and policies of the District
• Local, regional, statewide, and national trends in higher education
• Organization, key programs, unit functions, and key personnel of the District
• Principles and practices of organization and management
• Principles and practices of business and public administration
• Principles of conflict resolution and crisis management
• Principles of supervision, team building, and training
• Capabilities of computer systems and applications applicable to assigned areas
• Skill in: Interpersonal relationships
• Presenting concepts effectively verbally and in writing
• Achieving the understanding and support of individuals or groups with indifferent or opposing points of view
• Ability to: Anticipate, identify, and evaluate complex and sensitive issues from an executive leadership perspective
• Translate strategic thinking about complex challenges and organizational gaps into executable plans to deliver on strategic goals consistent with the Chancellor’s vision
• Effectively organize and manage multiple business-related projects across organizational lines and functions
• Develop and implement the operating policies required to achieve goals and objectives of assigned areas
• Exercise sound judgment, integrity, and discretion in working with and on behalf of the Chancellor; maintain the confidentiality of work
• Cultivate relationships and build consensus among officials, administrators, faculty, staff, business partners, and the public to help achieve goals and objectives; high level of emotional intelligence
• Assess situations accurately, adopt an effective course of action, and maintain composure in all situations
• Exercise the authority of the position with diplomacy, honesty, integrity, and tact
• Prepare and present effective oral and written communications, presentations, and reports
• Effectively communicate complex information concisely and in understandable terms
• Successfully navigate and thrive in a multi‐institution context through persuasion, consensus, and effective communication
• Foster trust and confidence; earn support from internal and external constituencies
• Display leadership grounded in integrity, collaboration, and cultural humility
• Integrate technology into business decisions and operations
• Anticipate conditions, plan ahead, establish priorities, and meet schedules
• Motivate, direct, train, and develop others
• A. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university preferably with a major in public policy, public administration, educational administration, political science, communications, or related field AND ten years of recent, full-time, paid experience in a leadership position managing administrative policy development and serving as a liaison with high-level political or governmental constituents on behalf of an employer or chief executive officer.
• OR B. A master’s degree from a recognized college or university with a major in public policy, public administration, educational administration, political science, communications, or related field AND eight years of recent, full-time, paid experience in a leadership position managing administrative policy development and serving as a liaison with high-level political or governmental constituents on behalf of an employer or chief executive officer.
• A valid Class "C" California driver's license must be obtained within 10 days of establishing residency in the State of California.
• Travel to locations throughout the District is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an institution of higher education is highly desirable.
• Experience in resource development and donor relations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a principal advisor to the Chancellor, providing high-level policy, strategic, and operational guidance on matters impacting the District, its nine colleges, and communities served.
• Plans, directs, and evaluates the operations of the following offices: Governmental and Legislative Affairs – advancing LACCD’s policy agenda at the local, state, and federal levels; cultivating strategic relationships with elected officials and agencies; and coordinating legislative advocacy and engagement.
• Public Affairs and Communications – directing district-wide communication strategies, media relations, branding, crisis communication, and public information to ensure cohesive, transparent, and equity-centered messaging.
• Institutional Advancement – guiding the District’s institutional advancement strategic direction, resource development, and external partnerships in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the Chancellor.
• Safety and Security Services – providing oversight of district-wide safety and security services designed to ensure protection for all students, District staff, and the public.
• Coordinates the Chancellor’s and Board Offices operations, including Board of Trustees materials, executive communications, and interdepartmental initiatives.
• Represents the Chancellor, as designated, at meetings, public events, and in communications with key partners, including the Board of Trustees, elected officials, foundation leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Facilitates district-wide alignment across the nine colleges to ensure consistency in advocacy, communication, and fundraising efforts.
• Leads high-impact and high-visibility strategic projects and initiatives as assigned by the Chancellor requiring sensitivity, cross-departmental collaboration, and complex policy analysis.
• Provides oversight and direction for special reports, talking points, and messaging on behalf of the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.
• Monitors state and federal legislation affecting community colleges; drafts position papers and testimony; ensures timely communication to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees, and facilitates effective implementation of legislative changes Districtwide.
• Fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, ensuring that the offices under this portfolio operate efficiently and in alignment with district values of equity, access, and excellence.
• Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, ensuring a professional, high-performing team environment.
• Develops and monitors expenditures for general and special budgets of the assigned offices.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• 19 paid holidays per year.
• 24 Vacation days annually. May accrue up to 400 hours.
• Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System.
• Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

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