Chief of Staff, College of Connected Computing
Apply NowCompany: Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, TN 37211
Description:
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Chief of Staff in the College of Connected Computing is a key member of the Dean's senior leadership team, responsible for leading the administrative, operational, and business functions of the College. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chief of Staff serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner-driving the implementation of the Dean's vision, mission, and strategic priorities by translating ambitious goals into actionable plans.
This highly visible, impact-focused role requires close collaboration with college staff and engagement with leaders across the College of Connected Computing and Vanderbilt University. The Chief of Staff coordinates the activities of the Dean's Office, serves as liaison to internal and external stakeholders, and supervises administrative support staff to ensure operational excellence.
The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, strong project management capabilities, and exceptional communication skills. Success in this role demands pride of ownership, creativity, situational awareness, and a resilient, proactive mindset to champion ideas, individuals, and initiatives in a dynamic and growing environment.
About Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873, located a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, TN. The university's students, faculty, staff, and visitors frequently cite Nashville as one of the benefits of Vanderbilt. VU is where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work, and never settle for what was good enough yesterday.
KEY FUNCTIONS
Strategic Leadership & Planning:
Serve as a principal strategic advisor to the Dean, helping to shape the college's strategic direction and long-range plans.
Provide high-level counsel, insight, and data-informed recommendations to guide decision-making on a wide range of complex topics.
Work closely with the Dean on developing and executing strategic initiatives that support the college's mission and vision, especially during this formative launch period.
Administrative & Operational Oversight:
Direct the college's day-to-day administration and internal business operations, including establishing and refining processes, policies, and infrastructure for critical operational areas to effectively support the new College of Connected Computing.
Ensure operational excellence and efficiency by developing streamlined procedures and organizational structures that align with university policies and the college's strategic goals.
Collaborate with partners across schools and colleges and Vanderbilt's central administrative offices.
Project Management & College Launch Initiatives:
Oversee and drive critical projects from conception to completion in a coordinated and strategic manner.
Coordinate and support the College's launch, new academic program development, curricular planning, and interdepartmental initiatives.
Review detailed project plans, timelines, and benchmarks.
Track progress on strategic initiatives; and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
Anticipate challenges, solve problems proactively, and adjust plans as needed to meet or exceed goals.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
Act as a liaison for the Dean, facilitating clear communication and productive collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Represent the Dean's interests and the college's priorities in meetings and committees across the university and with outside constituencies.
Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. other Vanderbilt colleges, industry partners, advisory boards) to build support for the College's initiatives and partnerships.
Prepare and deliver updates, reports, and presentations to keep stakeholders informed of progress and milestones.
In coordination with Vanderbilt's communications teams, manage sensitive communications and respond to inquiries on behalf of the Dean's office.
Executive Support & Representation:
Provide high-level executive support to ensure the Dean's time and efforts are focused on the most critical priorities.
Help prioritize the Dean's schedule of commitments to university and external initiatives.
When needed, represent the Dean in meetings or events.
Coordinate and staff committees or task forces launched by the Dean and lead special projects that span multiple departments or functional areas.
Draft and edit correspondence, briefing documents, presentations, and speeches for the Dean, tailoring communications to match the Dean's voice and strategic objectives.
Organizational Development & Team Management:
Oversee the Dean's Office staff and administrative support team, providing mentorship, direction, and performance management to foster a high-performing, inclusive, and service-oriented culture.
Set clear goals and professional development plans for staff, empowering team members to excel and grow in their roles.
Oversee hiring, onboarding, and HR matters for the Dean's Office, exercise sound judgment and discretion in personnel decisions.
Ensure operational continuity and excellence by establishing effective internal workflows, maintaining institutional memory (e.g. through documentation or knowledge-sharing platforms), and continuously improving how the Dean's Office supports the college community.
Other Duties:
Proactively handle emerging issues, urgent matters, or confidential projects on behalf of the Dean as they arise.
Step in to resolve problems or roadblocks by convening the right people and resources, always aiming for solutions that align with the College's long-term interests and values.
Adapt to the evolving needs of the Dean and College, demonstrating flexibility and initiative in taking on new responsibilities that further the College's success.
Education, Experience, and Skills:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education, relevant military experience, and relevant skills, is required.
A minimum of 10 years of work experience, knowledge and skills are required.
Experience in a higher education institutional setting is required.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication (oral and written) skills are required.
Experience in strategizing, thinking operationally, organizing, and implementing programs is required.
Experience with budgets and finance is preferred
Ability to provide solutions in a high-volume environment and to remain calm and thoughtful throughout stressful and difficult situations is required.
Proven track record of developing and managing multiple, complex projects and producing work under demanding timelines is necessary.
Excellent listening skills, as well as the ability to hear and incorporate feedback, are necessary.
Experience knowing when and with whom to communicate in order to gain necessary support for a project is necessary.
Ability to overcome obstacles and roadblocks when appropriate is necessary.
About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Chief of Staff in the College of Connected Computing is a key member of the Dean's senior leadership team, responsible for leading the administrative, operational, and business functions of the College. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Chief of Staff serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner-driving the implementation of the Dean's vision, mission, and strategic priorities by translating ambitious goals into actionable plans.
This highly visible, impact-focused role requires close collaboration with college staff and engagement with leaders across the College of Connected Computing and Vanderbilt University. The Chief of Staff coordinates the activities of the Dean's Office, serves as liaison to internal and external stakeholders, and supervises administrative support staff to ensure operational excellence.
The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in higher education leadership, strong project management capabilities, and exceptional communication skills. Success in this role demands pride of ownership, creativity, situational awareness, and a resilient, proactive mindset to champion ideas, individuals, and initiatives in a dynamic and growing environment.
About Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873, located a little more than a mile from downtown Nashville, TN. The university's students, faculty, staff, and visitors frequently cite Nashville as one of the benefits of Vanderbilt. VU is where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work, and never settle for what was good enough yesterday.
KEY FUNCTIONS
Strategic Leadership & Planning:
Serve as a principal strategic advisor to the Dean, helping to shape the college's strategic direction and long-range plans.
Provide high-level counsel, insight, and data-informed recommendations to guide decision-making on a wide range of complex topics.
Work closely with the Dean on developing and executing strategic initiatives that support the college's mission and vision, especially during this formative launch period.
Administrative & Operational Oversight:
Direct the college's day-to-day administration and internal business operations, including establishing and refining processes, policies, and infrastructure for critical operational areas to effectively support the new College of Connected Computing.
Ensure operational excellence and efficiency by developing streamlined procedures and organizational structures that align with university policies and the college's strategic goals.
Collaborate with partners across schools and colleges and Vanderbilt's central administrative offices.
Project Management & College Launch Initiatives:
Oversee and drive critical projects from conception to completion in a coordinated and strategic manner.
Coordinate and support the College's launch, new academic program development, curricular planning, and interdepartmental initiatives.
Review detailed project plans, timelines, and benchmarks.
Track progress on strategic initiatives; and ensure timely execution of deliverables.
Anticipate challenges, solve problems proactively, and adjust plans as needed to meet or exceed goals.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
Act as a liaison for the Dean, facilitating clear communication and productive collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
Represent the Dean's interests and the college's priorities in meetings and committees across the university and with outside constituencies.
Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. other Vanderbilt colleges, industry partners, advisory boards) to build support for the College's initiatives and partnerships.
Prepare and deliver updates, reports, and presentations to keep stakeholders informed of progress and milestones.
In coordination with Vanderbilt's communications teams, manage sensitive communications and respond to inquiries on behalf of the Dean's office.
Executive Support & Representation:
Provide high-level executive support to ensure the Dean's time and efforts are focused on the most critical priorities.
Help prioritize the Dean's schedule of commitments to university and external initiatives.
When needed, represent the Dean in meetings or events.
Coordinate and staff committees or task forces launched by the Dean and lead special projects that span multiple departments or functional areas.
Draft and edit correspondence, briefing documents, presentations, and speeches for the Dean, tailoring communications to match the Dean's voice and strategic objectives.
Organizational Development & Team Management:
Oversee the Dean's Office staff and administrative support team, providing mentorship, direction, and performance management to foster a high-performing, inclusive, and service-oriented culture.
Set clear goals and professional development plans for staff, empowering team members to excel and grow in their roles.
Oversee hiring, onboarding, and HR matters for the Dean's Office, exercise sound judgment and discretion in personnel decisions.
Ensure operational continuity and excellence by establishing effective internal workflows, maintaining institutional memory (e.g. through documentation or knowledge-sharing platforms), and continuously improving how the Dean's Office supports the college community.
Other Duties:
Proactively handle emerging issues, urgent matters, or confidential projects on behalf of the Dean as they arise.
Step in to resolve problems or roadblocks by convening the right people and resources, always aiming for solutions that align with the College's long-term interests and values.
Adapt to the evolving needs of the Dean and College, demonstrating flexibility and initiative in taking on new responsibilities that further the College's success.
Education, Experience, and Skills:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education, relevant military experience, and relevant skills, is required.
A minimum of 10 years of work experience, knowledge and skills are required.
Experience in a higher education institutional setting is required.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication (oral and written) skills are required.
Experience in strategizing, thinking operationally, organizing, and implementing programs is required.
Experience with budgets and finance is preferred
Ability to provide solutions in a high-volume environment and to remain calm and thoughtful throughout stressful and difficult situations is required.
Proven track record of developing and managing multiple, complex projects and producing work under demanding timelines is necessary.
Excellent listening skills, as well as the ability to hear and incorporate feedback, are necessary.
Experience knowing when and with whom to communicate in order to gain necessary support for a project is necessary.
Ability to overcome obstacles and roadblocks when appropriate is necessary.
About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.