Job Description for the Deputy Chief of Staff position. Review job description, requirements, and qualifications. Apply or register interest for the position.

Title: Deputy Chief of Staff

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: Office of the President

Department: President's Office

Position Summary

The Deputy Chief of Staff serves as a key leader in the President's Office, supporting the Chief of Staff and President in advancing institutional priorities and managing strategic initiatives. This position coordinates projects, operations, and relationships with internal and external constituencies. The Deputy Chief of Staff oversees administrative functions within the President's Office, provides support for the Board of Trustees, and ensures effective coordination with university divisions. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, attention to detail and collaborative skills to represent the President and the university across a range of settings. This is a highly-collaborative, full-time, 40-hour per week, 12-month position.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you’ll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon’s personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.

Elon University’s home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.

Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.

Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses

Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.

Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.

Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.

Free use of campus fitness facilities.

Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.

Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.

Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Juris doctorate or advanced degree in higher education administration, public administration, or a related field required. Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in executive support, project coordination or strategic leadership in higher education or a similarly complex organization. Experience working directly with executive leadership is required. Strong understanding of higher education governance, operations, and culture preferred. Demonstrated ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and collaborative skills required.

Job Duties

• Strategic Project and Executive Support
  • Lead and coordinate cross-functional initiatives that advance the university's strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with the President's vision and university strategic plan, Boldly Elon.
  • Support the Chief of Staff in managing institutional response efforts and presidential directives.
  • Research, analyze, and synthesize information on emerging issues, policies, and opportunities affecting the university.
  • Assist in planning and implementing strategic initiatives, programs, and special projects.
  • Coordinate scheduling and calendar management in collaboration with the President’s executive assistant.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies and maintain organized records and documentation.
• Institutional Coordination
  • Serve as a liaison between the President’s Office and university divisions, departments, and constituencies.
  • Facilitate cross-divisional collaboration on institutional initiatives.
  • Represent the President and Chief of Staff at meetings, events, and functions as delegated.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.
• Board of Trustees Support
  • Assist the Chief of Staff in coordinating Board of Trustees meetings, retreats, and activities.
  • Provided administrative support to key Board committees, including, but not limited to preparing meeting materials, reports, and presentations.
  • Follow up on Board actions to ensure timely implementation.
  • Support Trustee engagement and onboarding processes; maintain Board records.
• Event and Visit Coordination
  • Collaborate with the Director of Presidential Events to plan and execute presidential events and university functions.
  • Coordinate the President’s participation in major university ceremonies and signature events.
  • Manage visits from dignitaries, delegates, and institutional partners.
  • Ensure appropriate protocol and hospitality at events.
• Commitment to Inclusive Excellence
  • Champion Elon's values of inclusive excellence by fostering an environment of belonging and respect.
  • Collaborate with campus partners to support inclusive institutional practices and engagement.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Represent the President’s Office on university committees and working groups as assigned.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities.
  • Occasional travel, evening, and weekend work expected.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Special Instructions to Applicants: This search is being conducted by The Duffy Group. Please send all application materials to John Fierro at jfierro@duffygroup.com.