Job Description

Champlain College is seeking a Chief of Staff (CoS) to serve as a strategic partner to the President. The CoS manages executive and institutional communications, leads crisis communications, coordinates Board of Trustees operations, and partners with Advancement to support the President's engagement in fundraising activities. The CoS participates in meetings with or on behalf of the President and may lead cross-functional, institutional initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven leader with a warm, collaborative approach and the sound judgment to manage sensitive information, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and serve as a trusted proxy for the President across the college community.

Key Responsibilities

President's Office Operations & Strategic Coordination

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the President's Office
• Strategize and prioritize presidential projects, initiatives, communications, and activities to advance institutional goals
• Engage appropriate administration, faculty, and staff to move important work forward
• Research key issues with stakeholders and achieve resolution

Executive & Institutional Communications

• Manage institutional and executive communications, including campus-wide employee forums and events
• Write and manage communications originating from the President's Office
• Lead crisis communications and serve as the primary contact in the President's Office during college emergencies
• Develop and implement change management strategies for institutional communications

Board of Trustees & Advancement Support

• Support operations of the Champlain College Board of Trustees and its subcommittees
• Coordinate the President's engagement in advancement activities to meet campaign goals
• Prepare and manage board materials before and after meetings

Stakeholder Engagement & Institutional Leadership

• Serve as the President's proxy with key stakeholders and liaise with staff in other organizations as needed
• Assist the President in meetings and manage relationships across internal and external constituencies
• Support campus leadership to advance key strategic initiatives
• Assist the President in recruiting, evaluating, and inspiring potential new hires, keeping in mind the talent needs of the college

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred
• A minimum of ten years of related experience
• Ability to work collaboratively across a variety of internal and external stakeholders and build strong, trusted relationships
• A positive, warm, and friendly disposition characterized by integrity, respect, honesty, openness, flexibility, sound judgment, and adherence to high ethical principles
• Proven ability to work with and hold confidential information
• Excellent organizational, managerial, and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities with sound, independent judgment
• Highly developed project management, verbal communication, and critical thinking skills
• A leadership style rooted in a commitment to inclusion and working respectfully across lines of difference

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, on-campus position based at our main campus in Burlington, VT
• Standard business hours Monday through Friday, with flexibility required for board meetings, presidential events, and institutional priorities
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments for college events, board sessions, and emergencies

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary: $125,000-$145,000

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
• Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 2 days of personal leave
• Retirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution
• Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members
• Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives
• Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance
• Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs

Application Instructions:

To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College.

The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.

To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.

The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.