Executive Chief of Staff (Professional School Assistant Administrator)

The City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City University of New York's CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies in New York City seeks an Executive Chief of Staff to the Dean. This senior administrator partners with the Dean to advance institutional priorities, oversee multi‑unit operations, and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives.

Reporting to the Dean, the role also serves as Title IX Coordinator, represents the Dean in internal and external settings, and leads strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and special projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required.
• Master's or higher degree and experience in a union environment preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and strategic planning capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives and measure institutional outcomes.
• Coordinate cross-department programs and accreditation reporting.
• Serve as liaison between the Dean's office and university leadership.
• Prepare reports, briefs, and presentations for the Dean.
• Oversee staff in the Dean's Office and manage confidential matters.
• Plan special events and advise on annual performance goals.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

8+ years related experience

Job description

POSITION DETAILS

POSITION DETAILS
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (CUNY SLU) is a public institution of higher education in New York City within the City University of New York system. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs centered on labor rights, public service, and social justice, and is organized through the Dean's Office, the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the Office of Finance, Administration, and Operations, the Murphy Institute, and the Workers' Education program.
As a member of the dean's executive team, the Executive Chief of Staff (Professional School Assistant Administrator) to the Dean is a senior academic administrator who helps lead the school's multi-unit operations by advancing high-priority institutional goals. Reporting directly to the Dean, this role serves as the Dean's primary strategic partner and senior advisor, turning institutional priorities into actionable initiatives and overseeing special projects, cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning.
The position works closely with the school's Senior Associate Dean, associate and assistant deans, directors, faculty, and staff, and serves on the Dean's Cabinet. The candidate provides senior-level support for highly visible, complex initiatives and represents the Dean in internal and external settings as needed.
The assistant dean of strategic initiatives serves as the school's Title IX Coordinator overseeing SLU's compliance with Title IX.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Initiatives Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Institutional Effectiveness: Lead implementation of the Dean's strategic vision through institution-wide planning, operational alignment, and measurable performance outcomes.
• Initiative Management: Leading high-priority, cross-departmental programs (e.g., launching new centers, managing curriculum redesigns, or coordinating accreditation reporting).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Acting as a liaison between the Dean's office and university leadership, faculty, students, and external partners.
• Executive Support: Preparing reports, briefing materials, and presentations to help the Dean assess performance and make data-driven decisions.
• Operations & Change Management: Identifying areas for organizational improvement and managing transitions.
• Title IX Compliance: handles inquiries, accommodations, and complaints on-site
  

Chief Of Staff Responsibilities

• Supervise Dean's Office staff and enhance operational systems, processes, and performance.
• Manage the flow of information between the Dean, colleagues, and external partners.
• Develop strategies to address complex issues raised by diverse constituent groups.
• Partner with senior leadership on institutional strategy, policy implementation, and enterprise-wide planning initiatives
• Represent the Dean in executive-level meetings, institutional committees, University-wide initiatives, and external engagements. Track and ensure follow-up on Cabinet, Faculty Personnel & Budget, and Labor/Management action items.
• Lead, initiate, and oversee high-visibility, complex special projects and school-wide initiatives.
• Act as liaison to CUNY Central and advise school personnel on annual performance goals, year-end reporting, ECP processes, and University initiatives.
• Research issues and draft briefing materials, memos, letters, and other documents for matters which require the Dean's attention.
• Support talent acquisition, including recruitment, search committees, and onboarding for staff reporting to the Dean.
• Plan and coordinate special events, including co-chairing the Commencement Committee.
• Work with SLU Legal Counsel on FOIL requests, contracts, and matters requiring legal review.
• Handle highly confidential matters and provide trusted guidance to the Dean and senior staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Dean.
  

Qualifications

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience. Additional qualifications are defined below.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or other advanced degree as well as experience working with faculty in a union environment and experience in an academic setting preferred.
• Higher education background, with experience in a large, public institution highly desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, both oral and written, as well as excellent judgement and a record of effectiveness in dealing with conflict resolution.
• Committed to an inclusive community that maximizes the benefits of a multicultural perspective and results-oriented.
• Must be able to work effectively as a member of the senior staff as well as independently and proactively.
• High level of diplomacy and confidentiality required
• Ability to represent the Office of the Dean to internal and external constituencies.
  

CUNY TITLE

Professional School Assistant Admin

Compensation And Benefits

$160,000 - $180,000 Salary commensurate with education and experience.

• CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development.
• We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off.
• Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

CLOSING DATE

Open until Filled

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Executive

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Location: Sch. of Labor & Urban Studies