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Human Resources

Chief of Staff

December 04, 2025
Human Resources Announcements Position Vacancy Announcements

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Chief of Staff

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Salary Range/Grade

Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000

Reports to

Chancellor

Job Description 

Summary/objective

The Chief of Staff (COS) for the Office of the Chancellor is an experienced senior administrator with a successful record of strategic leadership and management accomplishments.  Demonstrated customer service, analytical, conflict resolution and effective communication skills are essential attributes to this position.

Reporting to the Chancellor, the COS is a member of the executive cabinet responsible for ensuring execution and completion of transformational initiatives of the university, implementation of the university strategic plan, and addressing issues on behalf of the Chancellor. Reporting directly to the Chancellor, this position handles matters of policy and institutional importance while supporting and sustaining a culture of service, professionalism, and continuous improvement in the university's organizational units. The position serves as the primary liaison for the Chancellor on matters concerning the University which include attending meetings and handling sensitive issues on behalf of the Chancellor to include advising the Chancellor on the progress of key projects and to resolve complex issues that may arise.

The Chief of Staff partners with the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellors to communicate institutional priorities to internal and external constituencies. 

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  1. Attends Chancellor’s Cabinet meetings, including regular communication with the Cabinet on behalf of the Chancellor, when required; organizes and sets meeting agendas in collaboration with the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellors, records minutes of meetings, and provides information as requested; responsible for the communication of decisions made by the Cabinet; and, plans the Executive Leadership Retreat.
  2. Manages major projects on behalf of the Chancellor, either individually or as a member of a task force, working group, or project team; anticipates and tracks critical dates, events and organizational issues for follow up with appropriate parties to ensure the Chancellor is informed.
  3. Works with the Southern University System (SUS) to support its roles as strategic partner to the SUNO campus community and Chancellor, including work with the Chancellor to advance Board and System priorities, coordinate meetings, and supports effective Board and System governance.
  4. Compiles information for the development of the Chancellor’s Report for the monthly meetings of the Board of Supervisors and compiles agenda items and materials for the Board meetings to include following up on related action items on behalf of the Chancellor.
  5. Prepares presentations and reports for the Chancellor that are data-driven for various stakeholder groups (i.e., Board of Regents, Board of Supervisors, Southern University System, etc.).
  6. Receives assignments and special projects from the Chancellor.  Exercises initiative to seek out and convene appropriate parties, gather information, develop recommendations, brief and advise the Chancellor as appropriate.
  7. Works to resolve staff, faculty, student, campus-wide or community disputes/complaints that come to the Chancellor’s Office using mediation skills and involving appropriate campus resources while ensuring resolution and reporting to the Chancellor.
  8. Prepares and coordinates official communications, in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement, and represents the Chancellor at major University events in his absence.
  9. Reviews and makes edits documents and correspondence drafted by others for the Chancellor’s signature.
  10. Works with the Chancellor’s Executive Assistant to coordinate the Chancellor’s calendar and to ensure the Chancellor’s preparation for internal and external commitments to include working with the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors to develop the Chancellor’s calendar of events on and off campus as well as an annual calendar of key events.
  11. Keeps abreast and ensures that the Chancellor is informed of community, regional and state events, as well as issues relative to SUNO’s involvement.
  12. Maintains the Chancellor’s confidence and protects the operations by keeping information confidential.
  13. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

  • Working knowledge and understanding of the organization, administration, and management of modern institutions of higher education or an institution or business of comparable size and complexity.
  • Ability to interact effectively and work collegially and respectfully with different perspectives and personalities; plan, organize, set priorities and effectively coordinate responsibilities; work independently or as a member of a team; exercise diplomacy and good judgment and discretion; be aware of the Chancellor's priorities at all times.
  • Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with persons from culturally diverse backgrounds including international students and non-traditional students and to foster sensitivity to diversity and an inclusive campus culture.
  • Ability to effectively resolve conflicts while encouraging partnerships and collaboration.
  • Ability to use sound judgment and to respectfully work with all levels of staff and faculty.
  • Ability to interact effectively with senior leadership.
  • Demonstrated respect for the confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the principles and practices of management, supervision, and the administration of applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, and statutes relating to higher education.
  • Proven capacity to cultivate trust and credibility with students, staff, and faculty and to build positive and effective relationships with student leaders and colleagues across the SUNO campus community.
  • Strong interpersonal and administrative skills.
  • Excellent skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
  • Superior written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate open discussions, collaborate with and respond to multiple constituencies, and write clear and concise reports.
  • Proven ability to make independent judgments under pressure and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
  • Strong ability to anticipate office needs, plan ahead, and to proactively and strategically meet those needs in a timely manner.
  • Ability to follow-up on all projects and tasks until successful completion.
  • Ability to gather and analyze data, compile information, and prepare reports.

Work environment

 Office setting.

Physical demands

Ability to sit/stand/walk at will; Ability to climb stairs; Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to use a keyboard; and Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds.

Travel required

0%.

Required education and experience

  • Master's degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field.  Doctorate preferred.
  • 7 - 10 years of progressively responsible higher education experience working effectively and collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, administration, governing boards, and external agencies.
  • Evidence of experience building relationships and working closely with other senior executive leaders, faculty, staff, board members, and community representatives (or their equivalents in other employment settings).
  • Experience with partnerships and strategic planning or operational planning.
  • The ability to work effectively in a very collaborative senior executive leadership environment) is required.Preferred education and experience
  • Doctoral degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
  • Executive leadership experience at an institution of higher education is preferred.
  • Five to seven years of executive leadership experience within a large organization preferred.
  • Previous experience providing executive support is desirable.

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

Non-Discrimination Statement

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

 

This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

 

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.