Chief of Staff, Penn Libraries

Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment in Philadelphia with access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and families, retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, health and wellness programs and resources, and more.

Posted Job Title
:
Chief of Staff, Penn Libraries
Job Profile Title
:
Director D, Curatorial, Library
Job Description Summary
:
Reporting to the H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, the Chief of Staff serves as a critical advisor and member of the Penn Libraries’ senior leadership team. The Chief of Staff provides high-level support to the Vice Provost on a range of strategic and operational initiatives that are essential to the Libraries’ mission and impact. The role ensures that major priorities, such as the advancement of the Libraries’ strategic plan, leading high-level executive communications, and the coordination of leadership activities, are moved forward consistently and effectively.

The Chief of Staff works closely with internal and external partners, including senior leadership across the Libraries and the University, and collaborates extensively with Organizational Impact & Effectiveness, Strategic Communications, and Development. This includes deep partnership with five Associate Vice Provosts, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Director of Development, and Director of Strategic Communications to strategize, implement, and communicate the Vice Provost’s priorities.

The position plays a central role in preparing the Vice Provost for speeches, events, and presentations, coordinating to ensure the success of each event the Vice Provost attends, and shaping agendas and follow-through for the Libraries’ Leadership Team. This role requires exceptional judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex initiatives in a fast-paced academic environment.

Job Description
:
Candidates are encouraged to review the Penn Libraries’ strategic plan, Knowledge for Life.

Job Responsibilities

• Strategic and Executive Support
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Vice Provost, providing analysis, insight, and recommendations on strategic and operational matters.
• Prepare high-impact speeches, remarks, talking points, and written communications for major engagements, events, and presentations.
• Oversee and reinforce all messaging prepared for the Vice Provost in remarks and leadership communications. Work with colleagues across the Penn Libraries to ensure the representation of the Vice Provost s core themes across all messaging.
• Develop clear, compelling slide decks and related presentation materials that effectively express the Vice Provost’s vision and priorities.
• Coordinate closely with Strategic Communications, Development, and event hosts to ensure the smooth planning and success of every event the Vice Provost attends.

• Strategic Plan Implementation
• Serve as a partner and thought leader to the Vice Provost in ensuring the successful implementation of strategic priorities, guiding plan objectives and financial outcomes. Coordinate and align internal and external stakeholders and establish systems to track progress and communicate metrics and KPIs.
• Act as a high-level project manager for the Vice Provost’s key special initiatives.
• Coordinate the Libraries’ strategic plan implementation in close collaboration with the Strategic Planning Officer and senior administrative partners.
• Track progress across initiatives, surface challenges, and ensure alignment of goals across departments and functions.
• Synthesize…