Chief of Staff - Strategic Leader, Academic Libraries

University of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 112,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania seeks a Chief of Staff for the Penn Libraries in Philadelphia. The role advises the Vice Provost, steers strategic planning, and leads communications for the Libraries.

You will supervise the Strategic Communications and Strategic Planning functions, collaborating with senior leaders to advance priorities and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives. The position requires a strong track record in executive communications, project leadership, and complex stakeholder

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, strategic operations, executive communications, administration, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated experience preparing speeches and high‑level executive communications.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate complex, multi‑stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Experience working closely with senior leaders and diverse functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing professional staff and leading teams through clear goals, accountability, and collaboration.
• Experience providing strategic leadership across planning, communications, executive operations, or closely related institutional functions.

Responsibilities

• Strategic and Executive Support: Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice Provost, provide analysis, insight, and recommendations on strategic and operational matters.
• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Provide leadership and oversight for the Libraries' strategic planning function and supervise the Strategic Planning Officer.
• Strategic Communications Leadership: Oversee the Libraries' strategic communications and supervise the Director of Strategic Communications.
• Leadership Team Coordination: Develop agendas, materials, and follow-up documentation for the Libraries' Leadership Team and monitor cross‑departmental initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align with Vice Provost, Development, Finance, and other partners to move institutional priorities forward.
• Other: Manage the Vice Provost's Office day-to-day and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Executive communication

Strategic planning leadership

Project coordination

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Leadership of teams

Education

Master's degree

Job description

University of Pennsylvania seeks a Chief of Staff for the Penn Libraries in Philadelphia. The role advises the Vice Provost, steers strategic planning, and leads communications for the Libraries.

You will supervise the Strategic Communications and Strategic Planning functions, collaborating with senior leaders to advance priorities and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives. The position requires a strong track record in executive communications, project leadership, and complex stakeholder