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

Location: Elon - Charlotte Campus

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 working closely with the Board of Trustees. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, this position plays a critical role in coordinating Elon University’s engagement with members of the Board, constituencies, partners, and operations in the Charlotte region while maintaining close collaboration with the President’s Office in Elon.

The Deputy Chief of Staff provides high-level support for administrative functions within the President’s Office, coordinates cross-divisional projects, provides support for the Board of Trustees, and ensures effective engagement across university divisions and external partners. The role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, attention to detail, and collaborative skills to represent the President, the Chief of Staff and the university across a range of settings. Travel between Charlotte and the university campus in the Town of Elon for significant engagements (approximately twice per month) is expected. Additional time will be needed on site in Elon during the orientation phase to develop a deep understanding of university culture and operations.

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.

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

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Computer Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), project management tools, databases, and digital platforms is required. Experience with AI tools, data analysis, and presentation software is preferred. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and technologies.

Communication Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills are required. Ability to compose professional correspondence, reports, and briefings. Strong editing and proofreading skills. Exceptional listening skills and ability to convey complex information clearly and diplomatically.

Analytical Skills
Ability to analyze and interpret financial data, prepare and manage budgets, and allocate
resources effectively. Proficiency in basic accounting principles and budget oversight. Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ability to assess complex issues, identify solutions, and manage competing priorities under pressure. Strategic planning and systems thinking capabilities required.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach, talk, and hear. The employee is also required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
Professional office environment based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with regular travel to the Elon University campus in Elon, NC. The position operates in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. Evening and weekend work may be necessary during peak periods and special events.

Required Other Training, Certifications, or Licensing

A valid driver’s license and ability to be insured by the university’s carrier are 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 primary liaison between the President’s Office and university divisions, departments, and constituencies, with particular focus on Charlotte-area engagement. 
  • 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 in the Charlotte region and beyond. 
• Board of Trustees Support 
  • Assist the Chief of Staff in coordinating Board of Trustees meetings, committee engagements, retreats, and activities. 
  • Provide administrative support to key Board committees, including preparing and editing meeting materials, reports, and presentations. 
  • Maintain a deep understanding of the Board’s bylaws, and work to ensure compliance. 
  • 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. 
  • Regular travel between Charlotte and the Elon campus (approximately two times per month) required; occasional evening and weekend work expected during peak periods and special events. 
  • 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.