Executive Director & Chief of Staff, President's Office

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Executive Director & Chief of Staff to oversee the operations of the President's Office. This role involves providing strategic management, supporting governance processes, and engaging with diverse university stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior management experience, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. Join a forward-thinking institution where your leadership will significantly impact the university community. If you are ready to take on this pivotal role, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications

• 7+ years of senior management experience in a complex public sector organization.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operations of the President's Office, managing budget and staff.
• Lead agenda planning for executive meetings and governance bodies.
• Manage sensitive issues and support strategic initiatives.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Graduate Degree in Business Administration

Graduate Degree in Public Policy

Job description

Description

The Office of the President & Vice-Chancellor is currently seeking a full-time, regular Executive Director & Chief of Staff.

The Executive Director & Chief of Staff in the Office of the President & Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the overall operations of the President's Office. They serve as a trusted advisor to the President and provide executive and strategic management services to the President, their office, the university's executive leadership team, and the broader university community.

Reporting to the AVP, Strategy and Performance, this role manages a wide range of internal matters of critical importance on behalf of the President, including sensitive issues, files, and initiatives that are high profile and require diplomacy and discretion, potentially impacting the university's reputation.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

1. Oversight of the Office of the President
   • Direct and oversee the administrative, financial, human resources, facilities, and planning functions for the Office of the President & Vice-Chancellor, supervising two direct reports and managing the office's operational budget.
   • Manage the flow of advice, information, briefing materials, speaking notes, correspondence, and other work to ensure efficiency.
   • Support the President in managing meetings and committee work.
   • Attend select meetings with the President to record notes and follow-up actions.
2. Governance & Decision-Making Support
   • Lead agenda planning for internal executive and senior leadership committee meetings and retreats, including ELT, ELT-Deans, and SLT, ensuring follow-up on decisions.
   • Provide advice on material and presentations for these meetings.
   • Coordinate agenda planning across university governance bodies to improve decision-making.
   • Develop briefing packages, presentations, and speaking notes for governance-related responsibilities.
   • Prepare for Board of Governors meetings with pre-meetings alongside the Chair, President, and Secretariat.
3. Operations, Project & Issue Management
   • Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives, especially those led by the President or crossing multiple portfolios.
   • Collaborate with People & Culture on personnel matters for the executive leadership team.
   • Manage and resolve sensitive and time-critical issues on behalf of the President.
4. Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
   • Build relationships with university stakeholders at all levels.
   • Support and attend meetings with internal stakeholders, taking notes and tracking follow-ups.
   • Assist with internal communication and engagement activities.
   • Lead the Vice President Offices and the community of practice for Executive Directors.

Qualifications / Requirements

• 7+ years of senior management experience in a large, complex public sector organization.
• Graduate degree in business administration, public policy, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of university missions, governance, and policies, especially within Alberta’s post-secondary environment.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Discretion, integrity, and tact in handling confidential matters.
• Ability to relate to diverse university constituents and adapt to multiple demands, including after-hours and weekend work.
• Strong teamwork skills.

Application Deadline:

May 14, 2025

We thank all applicants in advance; only those selected for further steps will be contacted.