Executive Chief of Staff to the University CIO

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University Information Technology is seeking the Chief of Staff to the University Chief Information Officer. The COS works directly with the VP & UCIO, synthesizes information, and strengthens coordination across HUIT while guiding priorities.

The role includes preparing executive materials, coordinating agendas, tracking decisions, and ensuring follow-through, with heavy cross-organizational collaboration and 24/7 readiness for crisis situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in executive communications, stakeholder engagement, project or portfolio coordination, or related work in a complex organization.
• Experience supporting senior executives is required.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex, cross-organizational initiatives in a highly matrixed, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Advance and support VP & UCIO priorities: The COS anticipates needs, synthesizes information, and identifies gaps, emerging issues, and areas requiring leadership attention.
• Track decisions, commitments, dependencies, and results, and ensure timely information flow to and from the Office of the VP & UCIO.
• In collaboration with HUIT communications staff and other subject-matter experts, conduct research and prepare briefings, presentations, documents, talking points, and other executive materials for the VP & UCIO.
• Perform complex duties on behalf of the VP & UCIO: Provide executive preparation and, as requested and within delegated authority, represent the VP & UCIO in selected meetings, committees, or calls.
• Facilitate resolution of matters requiring the VP & UCIO’s attention by clarifying issues, engaging the appropriate leaders, and coordinating follow-through.
• Develop and coordinate agendas, background materials, and follow-up for key committee, leadership, and staff meetings.
• In partnership with the VP & UCIO’s Executive Assistant, help ensure that the VP & UCIO’s time and engagements align with stated priorities; scheduling and calendar administration remain the responsibility of the Executive Assistant.
• Cross-HUIT coordination: Communicate the VP & UCIO’s priorities and work closely with the SLT and teams across HUIT to support alignment, coordinated action, and timely follow-through.
• Work with HUIT staff and the Executive Assistant to ensure the VP & UCIO is well prepared for key meetings, decisions, and engagements.
• Support the effective and timely delivery of key events and high-priority initiatives, particularly those requiring coordination across organizational boundaries.
• Provide or coordinate the advance work required for the VP & UCIO’s upcoming meetings, presentations, and institutional engagements.
• Maintain close contact with SLT and CIO Council members and other key stakeholders, monitor progress on shared priorities and commitments, and support reporting that enables timely information flow into and out of the Office of the VP & UCIO.

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Harvard University Information Technology is seeking the Chief of Staff to the University Chief Information Officer. The COS works directly with the VP & UCIO, synthesizes information, and strengthens coordination across HUIT while guiding priorities.

The role includes preparing executive materials, coordinating agendas, tracking decisions, and ensuring follow-through, with heavy cross-organizational collaboration and 24/7 readiness for crisis situations.