The Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees is an officer of the College and a member of the President’s senior administrative staff. Reporting to and working closely with the President, the Chief of Staff serves as presidential advisor and coordinator of executive level decision-making, playing an important role in coordinating, moving forward, and communicating campus initiatives. The Chief of Staff develops and manages a comprehensive engagement strategy with all important constituencies. The Chief of Staff supports campus commitments to creating a community of inclusion, welcome and belonging by demonstrating cultural humility and engaging in efforts to improve cultural competence.

In the role of Secretary to the Board of Trustees, manages all activities related to the Board of Trustees, including but not limited to, planning and implementing meetings of the board and its committees as well as advising Board Leadership on policy decisions, board management and College procedures.

This is an exempt position with a pay range of $190,000 - $260,000.

Responsibilities

• Works with the President to strategize about goals and policies, and to drive implementation.

• Anticipates and manages priorities for the President.

• Manages operations and financial affairs of the Office of the President, including supervision of staff and coordination of all functions and activities of the office.

• Plans and coordinates all events at the College originating from the Office of the President.

• Works with executive support staff to strategically plan the President’s attendance at internal and external events including preparation of relevant documents and briefing materials.

• Manages the President’s schedule with confidence, keeping him well-informed and on time. Possesses the diplomatic skills to effectively manage interruptions and transitions.

• Assists the President with correspondence, inquiries, and speeches, consulting with senior staff and communications as appropriate.

• Works closely with the President, members of the senior staff, and College leadership to ensure the College’s success.

• Builds and maintains relationships with the faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and community partners to foster collaboration and support for college initiatives.

• Coordinates the work of the senior staff team by setting agendas, documenting agreements, managing protocol and orientation for new senior staff, and communicating among senior staff about projects and priorities.

• As a member of senior staff, represents the President and the College to internal and external constituencies.

• Plans, coordinates, and reviews quarterly Board meetings with the President and senior staff to best engage trustees in the work of the College.

• Documents and archives all official Board records and the corporate seal of the College.

• Provides assistance and outreach to key stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, families, alumni, members of the community, and others.

• Supports crisis management operations and serves on the Hamilton Emergency Response Team; serves as point-person as designated by the president.

• Coordinates recruiting and hiring for senior staff positions.

• Safeguards the confidentiality of the institution and exercises appropriate discretion in handling confidential matters and records.

• Undertakes special projects and performs other duties as assigned by the President.

• Occasional travel may be required.

• Resides in the Central New York region. This job is in-person, not hybrid.

• BA/BS degree and advanced degree in business, higher education, law or a related field is preferred.

• Leadership experience in a complex hierarchical organization.

• 3-5 years’ experience with higher education, public service, policy, compliance, or allied fields.

• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal and management skills, highly intuitive, ability to develop and leverage positive working relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to interact and influence at the most senior levels of an organization and to work collaboratively across functions, levels and departments toward shared objectives.

• Inquisitive and creative approach to problem solving and process execution.

• Diplomacy and tact in all interactions, highly skilled at working collaboratively, comfortable working with the Board of Trustees and senior executives in the private and government sectors.

• Knowledge and continued awareness of the current issues facing higher-ed.

• Ability to work a flexible and demanding schedule.

• Ability to think strategically while balancing several complex agendas.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Please submit cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Hamilton College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and an educational experience that recognizes diversity in all of its forms and a wide array of cultural experiences as integral components of academic excellence. Candidates who can contribute to those goals are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in these areas.