Senior Advisor to the Chancellor

Indiana University; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 108,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance

Health savings account

Tuition subsidy for employees and family members

Generous paid time off plans

Job summary

Indiana University in Gary, Indiana is seeking a Senior Advisor to the Chancellor who will be responsible for overseeing the campus's full operational and programmatic agenda. This role involves translating the Chancellor’s vision into actionable plans and managing key initiatives.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of progressive leadership experience. Benefits include comprehensive medical insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 8 years of progressive leadership experience in a complex organizational setting.
• Experience as a Senior Advisor or Chief of Staff is preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in executive management and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Chancellor’s lead strategic advisor and oversee the operational agenda.
• Translate the Chancellor’s vision into actionable plans and lead major initiatives.
• Manage the daily operations of the Office of the Chancellor.

Skills

Effective leadership skills

Excellent collaboration and team-building skills

Effective communication skills, spoken and digital

Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of audiences

Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision-making skills

Knowledge of and experience in higher education

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree, postgraduate professional degree, or Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Executive Management (NW-EXEC-IUNWA)

Indiana University Northwest is a regional campus of Indiana University committed to excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The Office of the Chancellor leads institution‑wide initiatives to advance IU Northwest's mission, collaborating across IU regional campuses and University Administration to serve Northwest Indiana and beyond. This position is the Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, serving as the Chancellor's lead strategic advisor and overseeing the campus’s full operational and programmatic agenda.

Department Specific Responsibilities

• Serves as the Chancellor’s representative and liaison to the University Administration, IU regional campuses, government officials, and key external partners, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with the university’s strategic vision.
• Serves as a principal senior advisor to the Chancellor and primary liaison to university leadership, the Office of the President, regional campuses, government officials, external stakeholders, and other high‑priority constituents.
• Translates the Chancellor’s vision into actionable plans by aligning departments on major initiatives and projects. Leads special initiatives and cross‑functional projects that improve institutional effectiveness, strengthen operational performance, and advance the campus's strategic priorities on behalf of the Chancellor.
• Coordinates agendas, prepares briefing materials, and facilitates Cabinet and special meetings convened by the Chancellor, including on‑ and off‑campus engagements, evenings, and weekends.
• Oversees prioritization, coordination and timely execution of Chancellor’s Office initiatives and executive workflow. Monitors progress toward institutional priorities, establishes accountability mechanisms, and provides regular updates to the Chancellor and executive leadership regarding key initiatives, strategic priorities, and outcomes.
• Represents the Chancellor at meetings, events, and strategic forums; interprets and executes policies across administrative units to ensure institutional operational success.
• Facilitates the resolution of sensitive, high‑priority matters requiring Chancellor‑level attention, ensuring timely and informed decision‑making.
• Directs daily operations of the Office of the Chancellor while supervising professional staff and ensuring effective, responsive administrative support.
• Oversees fiscal coordination and budget administration for the Office of the Chancellor Responsibility Center, including the budgets for the Chancellor’s Office, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, Ceremonies and Special Events.
• Manages the Chancellor’s Representation Account and Foundation Accounts; ensures compliance and strategic alignment in all fiscal matters.
• Oversees and leads the Office of Special Events, while collaborating with the Offices of Enrollment Marketing, Communications, and Alumni Engagement and Development to maximize strategic communications and support highest‑level advocacy initiatives.

General Responsibilities

• Creates, directs, monitors, and implements the organization’s strategic and operational agenda.
• Advises the executive on day‑to‑day operations and manages them to ensure efficiency and effectiveness within available resources.
• Oversees the operations of the executive office team, prioritization and assignment of tasks, and supervision of other office personnel. May have oversight of office resources, including space and operational budget.
• Facilitates communication and coordination within the organization and ensures that priorities are established, assigned, and completed on time.
• Oversees broad communications, including official emails and other correspondence, directed to the executive office.
• Convenes and participates in key constituent meetings to ensure appropriate and responsive follow‑up and accountability.
• Provides guidance and support to junior‑level peers.
• Performs complex duties on a wide variety of matters, often of a highly sensitive and confidential nature.

Education

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Preferred

• Master’s degree, postgraduate professional degree, or Juris Doctor (J.D.) strongly preferred.

Work Experience

Required

• 8 years of progressive leadership experience in a complex organizational setting.

Preferred

• Previous experience serving as a Senior Advisor/Chief of Staff.
• Demonstrated expertise in executive management, project management, community and/or government relations, and strategic planning and implementation.
• Proven track record in personnel management and budget oversight at a senior level.
• Prior experience in higher education is preferred; familiarity with Indiana University policies and procedures is an asset.

Skills

Required

• Effective leadership skills.
• Excellent collaboration and team‑building skills.
• Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrates time management and priority‑setting skills.
• Effective communication skills, spoken and digital.
• Knowledge of and experience in higher education.
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of audiences, including administrators, trustees, faculty, students, staff, alumni, and parents of current/prospective students.

Preferred

• Executive Presence and Professionalism.
• Strategic Leadership, Planning and Execution.
• Multi‑Priority Project Management.
• Confidentiality and Discretion.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building.
• Cross‑Divisional Collaboration and Team Building.
• Autonomous, Solution‑Oriented Work Style.
• Adaptability in Fast‑Paced, Complex Environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long‑term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU‑sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Location and Salary

IU Northwest Campus, Gary, Indiana. Salary Range: $108,000 – $118,000 per year.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non‑Discrimination here which includes contact information.