Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT-serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

Position Summary:
The Chief of Staff plays a central role in ensuring that the organizational strategy and priorities for Virginia Tech's $520+ million research enterprise and associated technology commercialization activities -across eight academic colleges, eight university research institutes, and three affiliated corporations- are clearly defined and effectively implemented. This individual is the principle aide and analyst to the Vice President for Research and Innovation, serving as a key liaison with diverse internal and external constituencies and assisting in providing leadership and direction for institutional initiatives, special projects, time or critically sensitive decisions, internal communications, and policy development. He/she will help the Vice President and the senior leadership team of the office succeed as they work with the Virginia Tech community to introduce a new research and innovation strategic plan by keeping key projects on track, monitoring and evaluating progress, offering trusted counsel and feedback, and aligning and coordinating resources. The person in this position plays a critical role in ensuring that various groups and stakeholders are aligned and working in concert to achieve shared goals and objectives. This requires an individual that possesses a deep understanding of today's complex academic research and commercialization environment, exceptional organizational, problem solving and people skills, and great flexibility and patience. The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Vice President and is a member of the office's senior leadership team.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides support and counsel to the Vice President and senior leaders on matters of strategic, tactical, and operational importance. Keeps the group apprised of emerging issues.
- Provides high-level analysis on a broad range of complex issues and resolves or makes recommendations for resolution.
- Facilitates efficient and effective decision-making processes by gathering data, assembling appropriate stakeholders, and formulating recommendations.
- Supports the Vice President in managing relationships with internal and external constituencies and balancing commitments to the greatest strategic effect.
- Provides project management on special initiatives that are viewed as being critical to the organization. Coordinates activities and project meetings, and reports on progress.
- Researches and prepares reports, briefings, presentations, responses on institutional and strategic issues, and/or engages others to do so.
- Interacts with constituents from across the campus and outside of the university to ensure that office initiatives and actions are aligned and synergistic with the strategic plan.
- Serves as the Vice President's key liaison to the Board of Visitors, Innovation Advisory Board, Government Relations, and other external stakeholders.
- Represents the Vice President and other senior leaders with diverse constituencies inside and outside of the university, as appropriate. Includes attending events, committees, or boards, and presenting information.
- Assesses inquires directed to the Vice President, determines the proper course of action, and delegates to the appropriate individual to manage the response.
- Develops and reviews items for the Vice President's signature, including verifying facts, presenting alternative options, and preparing responses.
- Oversees office management and administrative staff. Inspires the group to provide the highest quality and service. Provides training and coaching as needed.
- Carries out projects that are highly sensitive and confidential in nature.
- Completes other duties as assigned, which may include simple tasks such as maintaining electronic records, organizing calendars, or making phone calls.

Required Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Science, Business and/or related field.
- Progressively advanced experience supporting the technical management, marketing, and communication of federally funded research programs, or equivalent.
- Exceptional communication skills, interpersonal skills, diplomacy and the ability to effectively interact and build trusted relationships with diverse internal and external constituencies.
- High administrative and analytical skills, able to see patterns, be a fast thinker, and make decisions with attention to accuracy, detail and local context.
- Skilled supervisor and coach, able to motivate or inspire both junior and senior staff.
- Proven ability to effectively organize, prioritize and perform multiple job functions and conflicting priorities, meet deadlines with short turn-around times, and manage changing situations.
- Experienced in researching and preparing executive level documents, reports, and presentations.
- Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills to manage complex tasks and/or those that require balancing competing interests.
- Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality with discretion and good judgement.
- Fast learner, result driven, accepts and acts on all forms of feedback to effect change.
- Demonstrate patience, reliability, composure and stability under pressure.
- Adaptable and open to change as the office and university evolves.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in higher education environment.



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