The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chief of Staff to the Dean serves as the principal member of the Dean’s Office responsible for the central coordination of administrative operations, strategic initiatives, and executive-level support. The incumbent functions as trusted counsel to the Dean and provides high-level leadership in planning, project execution, and office management. The role requires discretion, sound judgment, and independent decision-making to support leadership priorities and ensure timely progress on key initiatives and stakeholder needs.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Supervises: May supervise assigned administrative staff and/or contractors supporting the Office of the Dean, including consultants (e.g., marketing/social media consultant), as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility: Provides functional oversight of office operations and assigned workstreams, including setting priorities, monitoring deliverables, and ensuring accountability for performance and results.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Chief of Staff to the Dean supports executive operations by ensuring the Dean’s Office functions efficiently and with consistent coordination across the school and broader university environment. This role manages key administrative workflows, supports communications and briefings, and advances leadership priorities through structured planning and execution.

The position regularly interfaces with faculty, staff, senior leaders, and external constituents. The incumbent must exercise strong judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of information managed. The Chief of Staff may represent the Dean in meetings and communications as delegated and is responsible for supporting governance activities, major initiatives, and continuous improvement of office practices and service delivery.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Executive Office Leadership & Administration

Oversees the efficient day-to-day operations of the Office of the Dean to ensure timely and high-quality administrative support.
Establishes and maintains organized systems for managing schedules, workflows, communications, and priority tracking.
Anticipates operational needs and resolves issues proactively to ensure continuity of service and support.

Strategic Planning & Project Execution

Leads and coordinates high-visibility initiatives and special projects requiring cross-functional collaboration and influence.
Develops project plans, timelines, and execution strategies to support the Dean’s priorities and school objectives.
Tracks progress and ensure deliverables are completed on time and aligned with expectations.

Advisory Support & Decision Readiness

Provides strategic counsel and administrative guidance to the Dean regarding evolving initiatives, internal operations, and stakeholder considerations.
Synthesizes information, proposals, and requests to ensure the Dean receives contextual analysis and actionable recommendations.
Independently interprets policies, procedures, and leadership decisions and supports consistent communication and implementation.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Drafts, reviews, and delivers executive-level communications to internal and external audiences with clarity and professionalism.
Represents the Dean in meetings and correspondence as delegated, including initial outreach, follow-ups, and relationship management.
Builds productive partnerships with faculty, staff, institutional leaders, and external constituents to support alignment and outcomes.

Committee and Team Leadership

Serves as the Dean’s delegate to lead committees, working groups, and project teams; facilitates collaboration and accountability.
Provides direction and support to assigned staff and/or consultants, including monitoring performance and ensuring deliverable completion.

Governance & Board Support

Serves as the primary administrator for the Board of Visitors, including planning and execution of biannual meetings.
Coordinates meeting logistics, agendas, materials, communications, and follow-up actions to support governance requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Process Development

Develops and improves processes and procedures to strengthen efficiency, productivity, and the constituent experience.
Streamlines workflows across the Dean’s Office and implements tools that support sustainable operations.
Performs other duties as assigned in support of the Dean’s Office and school mission.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Executive Judgment & Discretion
Strategic Planning & Project Management
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
Written and Verbal Communication
Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
Leadership, Delegation, and Accountability
Organizational Savvy in a Complex Institution
Problem Solving, Initiative, and Follow-Through

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Advanced degree required, preferably in Communications or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, executive-level support functions, and confidential information.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience supporting senior leadership within higher education, government, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives requiring influence without direct authority.
Experience supporting advisory boards, governance groups, or external stakeholder councils.
Familiarity with communications disciplines and related academic and professional organizations.
Experience supporting senior leadership within higher education, government, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives requiring influence without direct authority.
Experience supporting advisory boards, governance groups, or external stakeholder councils.
Familiarity with communications disciplines and related academic and professional organizations.

SKILLS

Ability to manage competing priorities with professionalism, accuracy, and urgency.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and operate with discretion.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with senior leaders and stakeholders.
Ability to develop systems, improve processes, and streamline operations.
Ability to prepare high-quality executive-level materials (briefings, summaries, communications, and meeting documentation).

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$95,000-$105,000