Chief of Staff, University Strategy & Governance

La Roche; Mission (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

La Roche University is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as a senior strategic advisor to the President. The role coordinates executive activities, supports Board governance, and leads cross-functional projects aligned with the Catholic mission and strategic priorities.

The successful candidate will manage relationships with trustees, elected officials, civic leaders, and external partners, ensuring timely execution of initiatives. Occasional after-hours engagements are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Progressively responsible leadership in higher education, government relations, nonprofit administration, public policy, executive administration, or related field.
• Experience with governmental entities, elected officials, community stakeholders, public policy initiatives, or external partners.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and managing complex strategic projects.
• Strong understanding of governance structures, organizational operations, and executive decision-making.
• Exceptional written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated judgment, discretion, diplomacy, political acumen, and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, synthesize complex information, meet deadlines, and influence.
• Ability to work with senior leaders, trustees, public officials, community partners, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to the President on priorities and decisions.
• Coordinate with Cabinet to advance institutional priorities and ensure alignment.
• Attend Cabinet meetings and prepare summaries, communications, and follow-up.
• Coordinate communication among Cabinet, senior leaders, and stakeholders.
• Track presidential priorities and ensure timely follow-through.
• Conduct research and briefing materials to support leadership and external engagement.
• Prepare executive reports, talking points, and correspondence for the President.
• Coordinate governance and external relations activities with boards and officials.
• Lead cross-divisional initiatives and project timelines with accountability structures.
• Promote professionalism, collaboration, and mission-centered leadership.
• Support presidential visibility, external engagement, and messaging alignment.
• Maintain confidentiality; manage Board materials and governance documents.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Executive advising

Project management

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Government and external relations

Governance and stakeholder management

Political acumen

Executive communications

Discretion and judgment

Confidentiality

Relationship building

Accountability and follow-through

Communication with trustees and public

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

La Roche University is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as a senior strategic advisor to the President. The role coordinates executive activities, supports Board governance, and leads cross-functional projects aligned with the Catholic mission and strategic priorities.

The successful candidate will manage relationships with trustees, elected officials, civic leaders, and external partners, ensuring timely execution of initiatives. Occasional after-hours engagements are expected.