The Chief of Staff serves as a key advisor and strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Facilities and Development, assisting in the execution of the Vice Chancellor’s portfolio and priorities. The Chief of Staff also leads high-impact, high-visibility projects and other initiatives at the direction of the Vice Chancellor. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor, this position will draw upon broad concepts and ideas to continuously augment strategic projects and planning for institutional priorities, develop cross-functional action plans, drive results and measure success and impact to inform future planning and work. The Chief of Staff executes strategic level decisions ensuring stakeholders have the necessary resources and capacity to meet project objectives.
About the Work Unit:
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Facilities and Development at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues. Each member of the team is crucial in executing the strategic initiatives and advancing the university through strategic partnerships to strategically managing growth, optimizing campus resources and ensuring that infrastructure supports Vanderbilt’s evolving academic and research needs and its vision to become the world’s best-run university. The team supports the Vice Chancellor, Associate and Vice Chancellor(s) and Executive Director(s)s in managing the university's real estate, facilities, development, planning and operations, liaising with affiliates, and collaborating with the other Vice Chancellors, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees on multidimensional, university-wide concerns.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
 Serve as a strategic counsel and trusted thought partner to the Vice Chancellor by offering candid feedback, constructive input, and recommendations on overall strategy, key decisions, and initiatives based on knowledge and experience.
 Act as a designee of the Vice Chancellor, interacting frequently with stakeholders by making high level decisions and providing direction on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
 Oversee and drive initiatives while representing and communicating the Vice Chancellor’s vision and strategy with both the internal team and all stakeholders.
Job responsibilities listed herein are intended to be a thorough representation of the duties, responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for this specific
role at the time of hire but should not be considered all-encompassing as actual responsibilities may evolve to include additional duties as assigned based on
organizational and operational needs.
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Position Description
 Assess inquiries from outside stakeholders or other levels of leadership directed at the Vice Chancellor to determine the necessary decision maker. Where appropriate liaise with the appropriate personnel, to ensure issues are addressed properly, efficiently and within jurisdiction.
 Monitor initiatives and strategic projects established by the Vice Chancellor to ensure timely, accurate and successful completion. Identify key measures of success and drive for results in each project or initiative while also assessing and reporting on progress and impact to leadership and other stakeholders.
 Identify measures of success for the Vice Chancellor’s portfolio and continuously evaluate the impact of projects and initiatives as they relate to the portfolio’s goals and priorities.
 Synthesize complex information and data into concise briefings and presentations for the Vice Chancellor, enabling informed decision making.
 Hire, develop and mentor staff to ensure all reporting units have the skills and capabilities to achieve success.
 Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position will have supervisory responsibility over defined teams and key staff; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Vice Chancellor.
Education and Certifications
 Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
 Bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Real Estate, Business Administration, Finance, Planning, Engineering, Architecture, Law or related field is preferred.
 Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
 A minimum of ten years of experience with five years serving in a strategic role is necessary.
 Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communications, and listening skills is required.
 Evidence of working with multiple diverse constituencies in a confident and supportive manner and ability to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully is necessary.
 Ability to think strategically to manage multiple projects/initiatives concurrently with changing priorities and strict deadlines in a rapidly changing environment is necessary.
 Evidence of exceptional judgment, prioritization and decision-making skills is necessary.
 Demonstrated knowledge of business, financial, and project management skills is necessary.
 Demonstrated ability to handle high level sensitive and confidential information is necessary.
 Demonstrated knowledge of current issues and challenges in higher education is necessary.
 Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, and Outlook) is required.
 Experience and familiarity with real estate transactions, facilities management and operations, capital projects, and/or urban planning is preferred.
 Experience with higher education, state and municipal processes is preferred.
 Familiarity with real estate, consulting, and service related legal contracts is preferred.