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Michigan State University

CVM Chief of Staff / Chief of Staff

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48823


The Chief of Staff (CoS) is a critical, high-impact leader within Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), working in partnership with the Dean to drive the college's strategic vision and operational excellence. This dynamic role requires a “get-things-done” attitude to manage strategic initiatives, resolve operational challenges, and oversee the college’s institutional priorities. With responsibilities ranging from spearheading the accreditation process to leading continuous improvement initiatives, the CoS will ensure that CVM meets its goals and exceeds expectations, making it a national leader in veterinary education, research, outreach, and service.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership:

Collaborate directly with the Dean to implement bold, forward-thinking initiatives that position CVM as a leader in veterinary medicine.

Accreditation Leadership:

Take ownership of the college-wide accreditation review process, driving cross-functional efforts to ensure compliance and readiness.

Academic Excellence:

Inspire and guide academic leadership to create innovative, rigorous educational programs aligned with accreditation standards and future needs.

Operational Oversight:

Regularly track the progress of critical initiatives, ensuring projects stay on course with clear accountability and deliverables.

Continuous Improvement:

Lead the development of policies, standards, and processes that elevate performance across all CVM departments, streamlining operations for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

Liaison and Problem-Solver:

Act as a trusted advisor and problem-solver for college leadership, faculty, and staff, facilitating collaboration and ensuring the resolution of complex issues.

External Engagement:

Build relationships with key external stakeholders, gather feedback, and ensure the college’s initiatives align with broader community and industry expectations.

Representation:

Represent the Dean in high-stakes meetings, articulating and advancing the college’s priorities with clarity, diplomacy, and purpose.

Compliance and Governance:

Ensure that daily operations and strategic initiatives meet academic governance, accreditation standards, and institutional policies.

Culture and Morale:

Foster a collaborative, positive, and inclusive environment where faculty, staff, and students feel empowered and engaged in the college’s mission.

Innovative Leadership:

Bring creativity, optimism, and practicality to the role, transforming big ideas into actionable steps while managing the everyday demands of the college.

Qualifications

Leadership Excellence:

Proven track record of inspiring and leading teams, particularly in academic or high-stakes environments.

Strategic Expertise:

Experience with academic governance, accreditation processes, and strategic planning, with the ability to see the big picture and handle details.

Interpersonal Savvy:

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and navigate candid conversations with sensitivity and discretion.

Balanced Approach:

A natural ability to balance high ambitions with pragmatic execution, ensuring initiatives are visionary yet grounded in reality.

Integrity and Ethics:

Demonstrated ethical decision-making and impeccable judgment, particularly in handling confidential information and situations.

Diversity and Inclusion:

A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience in creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Political Acumen:

Ability to build alliances and navigate complex environments, engaging the right people at the right time to achieve collective success.

Communication Mastery:

Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate ambiguity into clarity and articulate the college’s needs with precision and persuasion.

Resilience and Optimism:

Unfazed by criticism or challenges, maintain a positive, can-do attitude, seeking solutions with intellectual curiosity and generosity of spirit.

Minimum RequirementsKnowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration, Accounting, Management or related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in financial management and analysis, personnel management, and computer systems use and development; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired QualificationsAn advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred. Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in leadership positions performing duties and responsibilities similar to or related to those specified.

Required Application MaterialsThree Professional References, Resume and Cover Letter.

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