We have an exciting opportunity as the Chief of Staff for the President & Secretary to the Board of Trustees. This opportunity works with and supports Dr. Suzanne M. Rivera who became Macalester College’s 17th President on June 1, 2020. 

The position, Chief of Staff for the President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, reports directly to the President and supports both the President and the Board of Trustees.  This role serves as the President’s liaison to the Board of Trustees and manages the operation of all Board meetings and related duties. This role oversees the operations of the President’s Office, including the management of budget and staff, and assists the President in project planning, prioritizing and implementation, presidential communications and campus relations.  This role also collaborates closely with the broader Senior Leadership Team in pursuit of organizational objectives.

As a representative of the President, this role interfaces with all members of the Macalester community; alumni, donors, parents, and other stakeholders; dignitaries, visitors and guests; and the general public.

The Chief of Staff will attend weekly Senior Leadership Team meetings and will represent the President as needed in her absence. 

• Coordinates the governance logistics for the Board of Trustees (including all official motions, actions, and communications).
• Manages projects for strategic initiatives.
• Plans official President’s Office meetings and events.
• Serves as an advisor to the President.
• Oversees the day-to-day operations for both the Office of the President and the Board.
• Ensures that the necessary systems and procedures are in place to appropriately address the flow of information and work to and from the Office of the President.
• Supervises and works closely with the Executive Assistant to the President to ensure the most efficient allocation of the President’s time; ensures prioritization of tasks needing to be accomplished.
• Supervises and works closely with the House Manager who is charged with daily oversight and proper coordination of event logistics at both the President’s House and the Briggs House.
• Coordinates travel arrangements for the President and spouse/partner.

Competencies

Professional Judgment/ Diplomacy Skills

Maintains a high degree of confidentiality, judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and professionalism that are consistent with representing the President and our Board of Trustees.

Communication Skills

Extraordinary verbal and written communication skills. Ability to listen effectively and to communicate information clearly and concisely in a level of detail that is appropriate for the audience. Ability to interface effectively with trustees, donors, senior leaders, students, alumni, and families. Experience managing or responding to challenges with tact and respect.

Analytical Skills

Ability to assess a problem, determine the appropriate course of action, intervene where necessary, and act as a liaison between the President’s office, the Board and others. Ability to determine which matters require the President’s attention and which can be resolved by others.

Project Management Skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks for multiple people. Ability to prioritize and coordinate work flow on multi-task assignments. Experience managing staff and budgets, both departmental and event or special project budgets. Exceptional time management and organizational skills.

Technical Knowledge/Administrative Skills

Advanced skills in Zoom, Google suite, Microsoft Outlook, Power Point, Word, and Excel.  Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Additional Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional administrative experience with progressively more responsibility.
• Effective leadership encompassing organizational, managerial, and communication skills.
• Successful project management experience, particularly with initiatives that have broad impact.
• Previous experience interfacing with and supporting executive level personnel.
• Periodic availability nights and weekends may be required, to the extent the President is also on duty for official events and/or emergencies.
• Previous experience in higher education preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Application Guidelines

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume as one PDF through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by July 16, 2022.  Review of applications will begin immediately.

Macalester is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Since its founding in 1874, Macalester has provided students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls nearly 2,100 students who come from virtually every state and 91 countries. Macalester is committed to being a preeminent liberal arts college known for its high standards of scholarship and its special emphasis on internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society.Macalester is proud of its longstanding commitment to social justice and creating a safe environment for all people regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, gender, religion, age, or ability. Macalester is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities and women.BenefitsMacalester employees enjoy a fantastic benefits package and working environment that is second to none. Please visit http://www.macalester.edu/employmentservices/benefits/ for more information about benefits at Macalester College.Our Commitment to Safety in response to COVID-19:For the safety of our community, Macalester requires all employees to have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Should a newly hired employee be unable to receive the vaccination for either medical or religious reasons we offer accommodations and assistance.Questions or concerns about this process should be directed to Bob Graf, Director of Employment Services, at rgraf@macalester.edu