Mercy University invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief of Staff. Inspired by Mercy's mission to provide motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world, the Chief of Staff will play a key role in organizing the Office of the President, working with University leadership to promote enhanced communication and collaboration, and ensuring the implementation of University strategies.
Mercy University is a thriving, financially strong, independent, coeducational, comprehensive, and student-centered institution serving the New York Metropolitan region. Mercy's mission is to provide motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives, and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world. The University's Strategic Plan focuses on four goals that directly tie to the mission: Teaching and Learning, Student Success, Affordability and Financial Health, and the University Community.
Mercy University stands as the largest private minority-serving institution and Hispanic-Serving Institution in the region, reflecting its long-standing commitment to educational access. Mercy students come from non-traditional backgrounds and are often the first or second generation in their families to earn a college degree. The University is the region's largest private, nonprofit minority serving institution (designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution [his] by the federal government). Mercy's over 9,000 students (75 percent undergraduates) are exceedingly diverse: undergraduates are 67 percent female, 48 percent Hispanic, and 26 percent Black; 75 percent of first-time, full time undergraduate students are Pell grant eligible; and 24 percent aged 25 or older. Graduate students are 79 percent female, 30 percent Hispanic, and 21 percent Black.
The Chief of Staff provides high-level support to the President, assisting in the advancement of the President's priorities and goals. This role is responsible for the central coordination of communications and ensures a timely flow of information to and from the President's Office. Additionally, the role oversees administrative functions, including managing the President's office staff, budget, and determining the President's scheduling priorities.
Reporting to President Susan Parish, the Chief of Staff serves as a key advisor to the President and represents the President and her Office on a variety of University priorities and initiatives. The Chief of Staff will have a firm grasp of the complexity of projects and priorities across the institution, anticipating issues, connecting the dots, and ensuring implementation of strategic priorities. They will cultivate an enterprise mindset and a culture of proactive action across the organization, supervising information flows and developing operating procedures that streamline decision-making to ensure effectiveness and desired impact.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of five years of advanced administrative experience (i.e. administration, project management, personnel, budgets, finance, or strategy) or related field, preferably in a higher education setting;
- Commitment to Mercy University's mission, values, and goals;
- Ability to understand and embrace the opportunities and complexities of working in a fast-paced environment at a highly dynamic organization;
- Exceptional written, presentation, and oral communication skills;
- Strong business acumen with success influencing executive leaders;
- Ability to form relationships across disparate groups to foster collaboration and implement strategies;
- Experience balancing strategic leadership with detailed involvement in support of accountabilities;
- Outstanding critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to manage a wide range of relationships and multiple and competing priorities;
- Excellent diplomacy in working with diverse groups, addressing demanding issues, situations, and schedules with a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor;
- Exceptional people management skills and experience developing and maintaining professional office protocols, managing resources, and overseeing financial matters;
- Proven experience handling highly confidential and sensitive materials and situations;
- Must be assertive, creative, collaborative, and able to anticipate and resolve challenges and business needs;
A graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., strategy, education, finance, administration, law) is preferred.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit your CV/resume and cover letter as soon as possible using our Talent Profile. Nominations or inquiries can be directed to the search team below.
Steve Leo, Managing Director
Brian Bustin, Senior Associate
DSG | Storbeck