Chief Of Staff

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we believe the student experience is shaped by thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to inclusive excellence. As the Chief of Staff / Director of Executive Operations to the Vice President/Vice Provost for Student Affairs, you will play a central role in advancing priorities that strengthen campus life and support students across every stage of their Duke journey.

In this highly visible role, you will serve as a trusted strategic partner to senior leadership, bringing clarity, coordination, and momentum to complex initiatives. Your ability to integrate strategy, data, relationships, and execution will directly influence how Student Affairs delivers meaningful, student‑centered outcomes.

Be Bold.

This role calls for a confident, agile leader who thrives in complexity, anticipates needs, and translates vision into action.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Planning, Integration, and Progress Management (30%)

• Translate the Vice President/Vice Provost for Student Affairs’ (VPSA) priorities into clear, time‑bound, executable plans.
• Supervise the Student Affairs Assessment team (3 FTE) to ensure data analytics and outcomes assessment are embedded across divisional planning and decision‑making.
• Coordinate timelines, track inter‑team progress, and lead select cross‑functional initiatives using fit‑for‑purpose project management tools.
• Prepare monthly progress summaries for VPSA leadership and key campus partners to ensure transparency and momentum.

Executive Engagement and Leadership Time Management (15%)

• In partnership with the Assistant Vice President (AVP), Strategic Initiatives and Policy, proactively assess and prioritize emerging and ongoing issues.
• Support strategic delegation of leadership effort toward high‑impact goals.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Assistant to evaluate competing priorities, provide contextual insight, and recommend sequencing, delegation, or declination of requests for leadership time.

Engagement, Convenings, and Relationship‑Building (20%)

• Coordinate planning, preparation, and on‑site support for high‑impact engagements, including divisional town halls, all‑staff events, leadership council retreats, and special functions.
• Support internal and external engagements such as search committees, peer cohort convenings (e.g., ACC), donor events, and off‑site functions.
• Ensure events are outcomes‑driven, relationship‑focused, and aligned with divisional goals by managing logistics, preparing briefings, coordinating follow‑up, and tracking next steps.
• Maintain meeting records and after‑action feedback to continuously improve future efforts.
• Participate in evening and weekend events during planned and unanticipated peak periods.

Office Leadership and Representation (15%)

• Supervise administrative support staff and the project manager.
• Manage the annual VPSA suite calendar, anticipating University milestones, divisional priorities, travel, and student‑facing needs.
• Represent the VPSA and AVP on selected campus committees and working groups, ensuring effective follow‑through and clear accountability.

Communications, Briefings, and Materials Development (15%)

• Draft and coordinate executive communications, presentations, and quarterly Board of Trustees updates.
• Collaborate with the AVP, Director of Student Affairs Communications, project manager, and assessment leads on annual reports and major divisional correspondence.

Other Responsibilities (5%)

• Perform related duties as assigned to support departmental, divisional, and University goals.

This position description reflects the general scope of responsibilities and is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Duties may evolve to meet organizational needs.

Choose Duke.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree in education, business administration, public administration, public policy, or a related field preferred.  A working knowledge of university administration or other decentralized, mission-driven organizations is essential.
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience, preferably within a complex, decentralized organization such as a selective research university.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of university administration or other mission‑driven organizations.

Strongly Preferred

• 7 or more years of management and supervisory experience in a highly complex organization.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence in programmatic and policy decision‑making.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead with maturity, sound judgment, and responsiveness to equity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with senior leaders.
• Comfort operating in an environment focused on excellence, adaptability, and evolving priorities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Bring your strategic insight, leadership presence, and passion for student success to Duke.
Apply now and help shape the future of campus life at Duke University.