Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff provides strategic and operational leadership for the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, directing and overseeing the department's administrative, financial, human resources, facilities, and business operations in alignment with priorities established by the Department Head.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the Chief of Staff leads and develops the administrative team, ensures effective execution of departmental operations, and manages complex projects and initiatives on behalf of the Department Head. The position is responsible for translating departmental priorities into operational strategies, coordinating resources, and advancing initiatives that support the department's academic, research, and service missions.

The Chief of Staff serves as a trusted advisor to the Department Head on strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, financial stewardship, and administrative matters. The position requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across faculty, staff, students, and college leadership.

Job Duties

• 60% - Strategic, Operational, and Administrative Leadership
  • Serve as the Department Head's primary administrative partner, providing leadership and oversight for the department's operational, financial, human resources, facilities, and communications functions.
  • Draft communications, reports, presentations, etc. on behalf of the Department Head that are aligned with departmental priorities.
  • Responsible for internal communications to staff and faculty regarding policy and process reminders or updates.
  • Ensure the effective and efficient delivery of administrative services in support of the department's teaching, research, and service missions.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, customer service, organizational effectiveness, and resource utilization; lead implementation of operational improvements and related documentation updates.
  • Assess staffing needs, organizational structures, and employee performance; recommend and implement strategies to enhance effectiveness and operational efficiency.
  • Lead and coordinate special projects, initiatives, and departmental priorities as assigned by the Department Head.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace culture that promotes employee engagement and professional growth.
  • Convene and lead regular administrative staff meetings (like staff meetings and supervisor meetings) to support coordination, communication, and continuous improvement.
  • Advance departmental commitments to inclusion and belonging through operational practices, employee development, and organizational decision-making.
  • Represent and advocate for departmental interests with collegiate and University partners, as appropriate.
    
• 20% - Human Resources Administration and Staff Development
  • Serve as the department's advisor on University, collegiate, and departmental human resources policies, procedures, and practices, including the Graduate Student Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and employee transitions for faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, and student employees.
  • Support supervisors through training, consultation, and regular meetings focused on employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.
  • Supervise and develop the department's administrative team, including professionals responsible for finance, academic programs, communications, operations, faculty affairs, and administrative support.
  • Supervise direct reports, establish performance expectations, conduct annual performance evaluations, and oversee departmental performance management processes.
  • Provide oversight and coordination for the annual merit review process through the Performance Management System.
  • Advise staff supervisors on employee relations matters, organizational changes, and workforce planning initiatives.
    
• 10% - Financial Management and Resource Planning
  • Partner with the Finance Manager to oversee departmental financial operations and advise the Department Head on budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and long-range fiscal strategy.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of departmental financial performance, including revenues, expenses, foundation funds, and financial commitments, and provide leadership with regular analysis, reporting, forecasting, and recommendations.
  • Oversee administration of scholarships, fellowships, instructional fees, and course fees through supervision and coordination of staff across finance and student services functions.
    
• 5% - Facilities, Space, and Equipment Administration
  • Serve as the Department's Facilities Representative (DFR) and provide oversight of departmental space, facilities, and equipment management.
  • Partner with Space & Security Specialist to assess facility, space, and infrastructure needs and advise the Department Head on priorities and resource requirements.
  • Ensure funding is in place for remodeling, renovation, and space improvement projects.
  • Oversee the acquisition, inventory, and lifecycle management of capital equipment.
  • Serve on the Department Safety Committee and support implementation of safety programs, emergency preparedness efforts, and regulatory compliance activities.
  • Escalate the resolution of facilities-related concerns with University service providers and stakeholders, if/as needed.
    
• 5% - Departmental and University Service
  • Represent the department at collegiate administrative meetings and communicate relevant information to faculty and staff.
  • Serve on departmental, collegiate, and University committees, task forces, and working groups as appointed or elected.
  • Ensure compliance with University records retention and records management requirements.
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Priority date for application review is Friday, July 17th. The posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration or related field with at least 8 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising, at least, a small department or interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Proven ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, sound judgment, and professionalism when navigating complex or sensitive situations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information, tailor messaging to diverse audiences, and communicate with both a strategic perspective and attention to detail.
• Self-directed and highly adaptable professional with demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve complex, ambiguous, and evolving challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of departmental budgets, sources of departmental revenue, collegiate allocations, and budget cycles.
• Experience using PeopleSoft human resources, financial, and student systems.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, motivating, and mentoring a team of reports.
• Knowledge of University of Minnesota financial and HR policies and procedures.
• Experience in removing barriers to provide more access for all stakeholders (students, staff, and faculty).

Computer Science & Engineering resides within the College of Science & Engineering. More information about the department can be found at https://cse.umn.edu/cs.

Pay Range: $115,000 per year - $140,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.