Chief of Staff Medical School

Position Overview:

The Chief of Staff is a critical member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Executive Vice President (EVP) for Health Affairs and Dean of the Medical School. This role works collaboratively to drive, facilitate, and support strategic projects, operational directives, and clinical/academic initiatives across the Medical School, the Office of Academic and Clinical Affairs (OACA), and Boynton Health.

As a trusted advisor, the Chief of Staff provides high-level strategic counsel, executes complex initiatives, and manages the daily operations of the EVP and Dean's Office. This position requires exceptional diplomacy, absolute discretion in handling sensitive matters, and the ability to build strong coalitions across multiple internal and external constituencies to advance the University's tripartite mission of education, research, and clinical care.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Initiative Management

• Ensure the EVP/Dean's directives, initiatives, and strategic plans are effectively communicated, integrated, executed, and measured across all departments.
• Lead high-priority, complex projects out of the Dean's Office, including the creation of new departments, institutes, centers, and inter-institutional alliances.
• Provide administrative leadership for major clinical program initiatives, healthcare outreach sites, and major programmatic grant initiatives.
• Oversee preparations for external site visits tied to accreditation, regulatory oversight, and programmatic grants.
• Provide administrative staff support (directly and/or through oversight of assigned staff) for key Dean's leadership and management committees;
• Manage special projects, programs and other special initiatives as assigned by the Dean, that relate to the Medical School, as well as to the Dean's other senior leadership roles as Executive Vice President
• Perform strategic, operational and financial analyses, tied to the educational, research and clinical missions of the Medical School;

Executive Support & Operations

• Oversee the daily operations and standard operating procedures of the Dean's Office; directly supervise and develop associated administrative staff.
• Prepare executive-level correspondence, complex reports, briefing memos, policy documents, and high-impact presentations for leadership, the President, and the Board of Regents.
• Oversee and direct selected administrative functions within the Medical School as defined by the Dean, including ones dealing with facility planning and utilization; information technology, human resources, institutional research, and budget preparation.
• Implement and manage departmental and Chair performance review processes and the management of the Chair bonus plan.
  

Liaison & Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary liaison and intermediary on behalf of the EVP/Dean with senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, and diverse external partners.
• Participate in and staff key internal and external leadership, management, and governance committees on the EVP/Dean's behalf.
• Oversee the strategic processes for identifying and recruiting Senior Academic and Practice leadership.
• Act as a facilitator and negotiator to resolve complex internal or external administrative issues.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS and at least 12 years of experience
• Substantial experience in responsible administrative positions demonstrating excellent organizational and managerial abilities and effective leadership
• Strong commitment to collaboration, consultation and shared governance
• Extensive experience working in a complex, decentralized higher education environment
• Exceptional interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Able to balance competing demands, priorities, and needs of multiple stakeholders
• Track record of promoting and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple, diverse constituencies
• Able to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Effective in developing strong relationships and effective partnerships
• Demonstrates exceptional judgment, discretion, confidentiality, integrity and flexibility

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced or terminal degree
• Experience with strategic planning and knowledge of strategic management concepts, business practices, and principles, as well as change management
• Experience in an advisory role reporting to a senior leader
• Knowledge or understanding of the University of Minnesota

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $180,000 - $230,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: Hybrid

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 be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

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.