Deputy to the President and Chief of Staff

Western Connecticut State University•Danbury, CT

2d•$140,781 - $175,901

About The Position

Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) seeks a Deputy to the President and Chief of Staff to serve as the President’s deputy, trusted adviser, and lead for advancing presidential priorities. Reporting directly to President Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D., the position is a core member of the university’s executive leadership team and supervises Professional and Support staff. The Deputy works across divisions, roles, and campuses to bring people together, resolve barriers, and move shared work forward, exercising delegated authority with discretion and sound judgment. The role translates presidential priorities into coordinated projects, assignments, timelines, and measurable outcomes; builds relationships across academic and administrative units; prepares and facilitates meetings; and ensures decisions are followed through. It also supports presidential communications and government relations by preparing speeches, messages, correspondence, presentations, legislative briefings, and policy monitoring. The Deputy applies practical knowledge of AI and emerging technologies—including generative AI, automation, data analysis, and digital collaboration tools—to improve research, communications, project management, decision support, and shared processes, while supporting responsible adoption. The position advances WestConn’s Western Rising Focused Strategy (2026–2028), with emphasis on organizational effectiveness, fiscal and operational stewardship, student success, belonging, regional partnerships, shared leadership, and institutional renewal. The Deputy works in partnership with the Provost, Chief Operating Officer, and other leaders while respecting assigned authority and shared governance. The role requires a permanent Connecticut residence within 90 days of hire. The work environment is a typical office, with periodic evening and weekend commitments for meetings and university events; some travel may be required for system, state, or professional meetings. Reasonable accommodation will be made for candidates and incumbents with physical limitations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of progressively responsible relevant experience, or a master’s degree and at least five years; comparable combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong information technology literacy, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Demonstrated success leading complex projects across divisions, professional roles, or campus locations, coordinating people outside one’s direct reporting structure, and delivering agreed results.
Deep, practical understanding and hands-on use of AI and emerging technologies, including generative AI, automation, data analysis, and digital collaboration tools.
Excellent writing and communication skills, including preparing executive briefings, speeches, correspondence, and recommendations for varied audiences.
Strong meeting preparation, facilitation, and project management skills, with consistent follow-through on decisions, assignments, and deadlines.
Sound political and organizational judgment, discretion with sensitive information, and ability to build trust and work effectively with diverse colleagues and stakeholders.
Ability to establish permanent residence in Connecticut within 90 days of hire.
Successful completion of required background investigations and proof of citizenship or employability under IRCA if offered employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as a chief of staff, executive adviser, deputy, or leader of initiatives sponsored by a senior executive.
Experience in public higher education, shared governance, or a university or system with multiple campuses.
Experience in government relations, public affairs, or public policy, including work with elected officials, agencies, or legislative processes.
Demonstrated success using AI and technology to improve organizational processes, lead change, and achieve measurable results.
Ability to evaluate AI capabilities and limitations, improve workflows, and support technology adoption while exercising judgment about accuracy, privacy, security, and human oversight.
Experience developing communications in a senior leader’s voice and coordinating relationships with government, community, and institutional partners.

Responsibilities

Serve as the President’s deputy and adviser on priorities and emerging issues; prepare recommendations and represent the President in assigned meetings and initiatives.
Lead work across organizational boundaries by building relationships among academic and administrative leaders, faculty, staff, and campus partners; convene stakeholders and coordinate shared efforts across divisions and campuses.
Translate presidential priorities into assignments, timelines, and outcomes; coordinate implementation, address obstacles, and hold teams accountable for agreed commitments.
Prepare agendas, briefings, and decision materials; prepare the President for internal and external engagements; facilitate discussions and ensure decisions lead to action.
Draft speeches, messages, correspondence, and presentations in the President’s voice.
Coordinate legislative briefings, policy monitoring, external relationships, and follow-up with University and CSCU colleagues.
Apply AI, automation, data tools, and digital collaboration tools to strengthen research, communications, project management, and decision support.
Work with technology and campus leaders to improve shared processes, evaluate tools, and help colleagues adopt them effectively and responsibly.
Work in partnership with the Provost, Chief Operating Officer, and other leaders while respecting assigned authority and shared governance.
Support presidential initiatives advancing student access, persistence, belonging, and achievement, and strengthen WestConn’s regional, civic, and community partnerships.