Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism, the Chief of Staff will handle a variety of strategic, administrative, operational, and confidential matters with faculty, staff, students, alumni, senior University administrators, and community leaders. They will be responsible for planning and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed in a timely manner and meet the goals of the Dean’s Office and School. The Chief of Staff will help develop and sustain an effective collaborative structure for an integrated senior executive team and will foster School-wide adherence to the goals and priorities set by the Dean.
Responsibilities
Strategy & Planning
- Strategize with the Dean and other senior officers on institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution; ensure implementation plans are effectively communicated and managed.
- In collaboration with the Dean, achieve the goals and priorities by serving as a strategic liaison for the Dean; ensure a unified understanding of and progress toward those goals and priorities by the Dean’s senior leadership team and across the School. Provide strategic analyses to support School’s strategic initiatives and vision.
- Oversee and plan school-wide and special projects and communication on behalf of the Dean, frequently involving faculty and/or senior officers of the University; interact with senior University, industry, and community officials in the representation and development of strategic program initiatives. Responsible for planning, allocating resources, monitoring progress, and providing timely updates to the Dean and other stakeholders.
- Provide the Dean with background information from a wide range of School, University, and professional sources to facilitate decision-making.
Leadership
- Anticipate and identify issues for discussion at key management meetings; identify appropriate meeting participants; work with appropriate departments to prepare and/or manage the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on institutional and strategic issues, as necessary. Orchestrate communication between the Dean and other senior officers of the University.
- Partner with all senior team members to ensure that the Dean’s priorities are progressing as agreed and that all goals are met, providing detailed follow-up, as needed.
- Meet individually as needed or as directed by the Dean with members of the senior leadership team (and others) to monitor progress toward and attainment of assigned goals and activities. Oversee and manage existing and new School-wide committee’s work where appropriate.
- Represent the Dean on selected internal and University committees and initiatives. Participates and communicates the Dean’s position and priorities; researches and prepares analysis and/or talking points on a variety of matters.
Communication
- Plan and develop, along with colleagues, marketing and communications strategies, priorities, and objectives, and ensure that they align with the school’s mission and overall objectives. Help formulate, champion, and win support for the Journalism School’s brand, vision, and marketing direction.
- Oversee school-wide Marketing & Communications, and coordinate all communications for the Dean. Serves as the Dean’s voice.
- Responsible for overseeing new initiatives to increase the visibility of the faculty and of the accomplishments of the School within the School, the University community, the Journalism industry, and ultimately, the general public for the purpose of increasing prospective student and donor interest.
Operations & Administration
- Work with the Executive Assistant to the Dean to ensure the prioritization of activities, scheduling, and briefing for the Dean, and streamline workflow and communications, and processes for the Office of the Dean.
- Work closely with the Executive Assistant to the Dean and the School’s Office of Alumni Relations and Development, to set priorities for the Dean’s presence at internally and externally focused events and meetings; provide strategic consultation to the Dean and staff on planning and execution of development trips, events, and appointments.
- Oversee all operations of the Office of the Dean, including management of research and administrative staff, creation of and adherence to policies and procedures, and management of a comprehensive annual budget.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum 8 years of related experience required.
Demonstrated ability to set priorities and work efficiency in a highly pressured environment. Must have keen interpersonal and organizational skills and excellent judgment. At all times, must exhibit a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and a strong sense of discretion with the ability to identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the school. Excellent written and presentation communications skills and experience with the supervision of a multifaceted staff are also essential. Excellent organizational skills as well as the ability to relate to all levels of personnel required. Must be highly detail-oriented. Must be able to react to time-sensitive matters as well as manage complex, longer-term initiatives. Must be willing to be available for remote access as needed after normal work hours.
Preferred Qualifications
Other Requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.