Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations

Position Summary

The Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations serves as an operational leader within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP), working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff (AVP/COS) as a trusted advisor and critical operational partner to ensure organizational success. Reporting directly to the AVP/COS, this role is responsible for translating executive priorities into operational excellence by aligning strategy, people, processes, and performance across the EVPP internal organization.

The position serves as the vital bridge between executive strategy and frontline execution, providing leadership over operational planning, business processes, cross-functional initiatives, and strategic leadership for talent development and team effectiveness to ensure strategic priorities are implemented effectively and consistently. Drawing on expertise in operations management, project and portfolio management, organizational effectiveness, systems thinking, and continuous improvement methodologies, the Deputy Chief supports enterprise-wide initiatives and leads efforts to strengthen operational performance, improve organizational agility, and enhance service delivery across the Office. The role partners closely with the Chief of Staff to anticipate organizational needs, solve complex operational challenges, and ensure the Office operates with efficiency, accountability, and strategic alignment. Through visible leadership and strong cross-functional partnerships, this role enables the Office to operate with clarity, adaptability, and sustained impact in a dynamic and highly visible University environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Operations and Strategic Initiatives Management (60%)

• Serve as a strategic partner to the associate vice president/chief of staff, advancing the EVPP's priorities through coordinated planning, execution and leadership.

• With the AVP/COS and Senior Assistant to the Provost, build and sustain a high-performing, service-oriented team by attracting, developing, coaching, and empowering talent; fostering trust, collaboration, and accountability; and ensuring individual strengths are aligned to maximize the collective effectiveness and impact of the Office.

• Establish, implement, and maintain an operating framework of the Office, ensuring effective workflows, clear processes, coordinated execution and a consistent level of responsiveness and follow-through that allow the team to respond with agility to emerging priorities and institutional needs.

• In partnership with the AVP/COS, oversee office operations; budget management; human resources; organizational planning; technology, facilities and space utilization; and implementation of strategic initiatives.

• Develop high-impact executive summaries and recommendations to the AVP/COS from institutional data, policy briefs, and university and other communications.

• Act as a key operational liaison between executive leadership, academic deans, and university administrative and academic units to facilitate seamless communication, resolve complex issues, and advance university-wide initiatives.

• Serve as operational lead in the absence of the AVP/ COS, representing the office across high-level university committees, governance groups, and cross-functional meetings.

Project Management & Strategic Execution (20%)

• Lead, manage and execute multiple, concurrent and high-impact projects that support the EVPP's priorities and university initiatives, ensuring accountability, timely follow-through, and alignment among multiple stakeholders.

• Provide senior administrative support for executive searches for senior leadership positions reporting to the EVPP, coordinating a rigorous, equitable, and effective assessment and selection process that attracts and evaluates exceptional leadership talent while advancing institutional priorities. Partners with AVP/COS and Human Resources Director to prepare and advise search committee chairs and committees; manage timelines, and logistics; and serves as EVPP representative throughout the search process.

• Guide the utilization of structured project management frameworks to ensure the provost's academic initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.

• Evaluate issues, risks, and interdependencies, and escalate issues appropriately. Proactively provide options, pros and cons of each, and final recommendations.

• Promote and cultivate cross-functional collaboration and project follow-through and maintain high-level tracking of action items, deliverables, and commitments arising from project plans and other strategic planning activities.

Operational Excellence & Lean Transformation (20%)

• Apply Lean thinking principles and tools to drive the adoption of new technologies and automated processes to gain agility, strengthen and streamline administrative operations, reduce duplication, and eliminate inefficiencies.

• Design, implement, and lead operational frameworks that support a culture of continuous improvement.

• Establish operational metrics or dashboards, and routine reporting mechanisms to track progress on strategic priorities and report findings to AVP.

This position will be officially closed on 8/28/2026 and no longer accept applications.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in business, administration, finance, human resources or related field.

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively more responsible experience within a complex, matrixed environment, ideally in higher education.

• Demonstrated professional experience working at the University of Minnesota, with knowledge of the University's organizational structure and culture, and its administrative and operational systems.

• Must possess the professional confidence to excel in a 'behind-the-scenes' role, delivering high-impact support and influence.

• Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with senior leaders and key stakeholders influencing decision-making and advancing priorities.

• Demonstrated success in leading, empowering, and evaluating administrative and professional staff.

• Demonstrated success leading and managing high-impact and visible projects and/or high-profile events and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• High proficiency with technology, specifically project management and tracking tools.

• Proven ability to navigate sensitive, multi-layered information with utmost confidentiality, maintaining trust and professional composure in a high-stakes environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business administration, public administration, operations management, higher education administration, or a related field

• PMP (Project Management Professional), Lean/Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), or Change Management (e.g., Prosci) certification is highly desired.

• Demonstrated expertise in applying Lean thinking, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks within service, administrative, or higher education environments.

Pay Range: $132,000.00 - $155,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Please include Cover Letter and Resume.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.