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Posting Detail Information

Working TitleChief of Staff

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202501686AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib III

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$150,000-$200,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on12/21/2025

Description of Work Unit

The College of Agricultural Sciences ( CAS ) is an integral part of the Colorado State University land-grant system. The Dean’s Office provides executive leadership across teaching, research, community and economic outreach, and engagement, in cooperation with the Office of Engagement and Extension ( CSUE / OEE ) and the Agricultural Experiment Station ( AES ).

The CAS Dean’s Office leads implementation of the College’s strategic priorities, overseeing academic programs and curriculum, research initiatives, faculty and student success, inclusive excellence, recruitment and retention, and community engagement. The office also includes development, donor relations, communications, marketing/branding, and IT services for the College.

Position Summary

The Chief of Staff (CoS) reports directly to the Dean and serves as the Dean’s principal strategic advisor and operational coordinator. The CoS directs the organization, communication, and coordination necessary for the Dean to make effective and timely decisions. The CoS supports, but does not substitute for decision-making by the Dean, ensuring the Dean is equipped with accurate data, clear options, and well-organized materials to support informed leadership actions.

The CoS is a visible partner with university leadership, communities, industry, and state organizations to advance collaborative networks, foster local economic and community development, and implement the College’s strategic vision. The CoS is focused on internal operations; coordinates and reports on projects; demonstrates leadership that translates ideas into operational follow-through; and may represent CAS in professional and community settings. Up to 20% local and in-state travel may be required.

In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs, the CoS also plays an active role in connecting the Dean for student engagement and leadership development by fostering communication and collaboration with student organizations and ensuring that operational processes reflect student needs and contribute to an inclusive, student-centered environment. Final candidate to hire must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by employment start date.

Required Job Qualifications

+ Master’s degree in business, public administration, sciences, or related field, OR Ph.D. in any discipline.

+ Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education or large organizations.

+ Demonstrated success managing complex projects and initiatives.

+ Supervisory and managerial experience.

+ Proven ability to organize complex information to support executive decision-making.

+ Demonstrated ability to succeed as a persuasive leader without formal authority.

+ Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

+ Knowledge of higher education leadership and shared governance.

+ Ability to travel in and out of state and work non-standard hours and special events, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

+ Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

+ Final candidate to hire must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by employment start date.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Demonstrated excellence in communication and strategic leadership.

+ Experience supporting the tripartite land-grant mission of education, research, and Extension and outreach.

+ Demonstrated experience with higher education leadership and shared governance.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryStrategic Implementation

Duty/Responsibility

+ Translate the Dean’s strategic vision into organized, trackable initiatives.

+ Prepare and manage project frameworks that allow timely executive review and follow-up.

+ Develop relationships with staff working in the offices of university leadership, Extension, AES , and external partners to implement CAS priorities.

+ Assist department heads and other leadership team members as a strategist, problem solver, and advisor.

+ Serves as a translator of the Dean’s initiatives and priorities and serves as a resource for CAS leadership.

Percentage Of Time50

Job Duty CategoryEngagement/Management

Duty/Responsibility

+ Act as strategist, problem solver, and advisor to the Dean.

+ Serve as the Dean’s primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders.

+ Lead planning and coordination of responses to complex or sensitive issues requiring discretion and accuracy.

+ Support coordinated messaging and crisis communication aligned with CAS and University strategy.

Percentage Of Time40

Job Duty CategoryOperational Coordination

Duty/Responsibility

+ Provide strategic leadership, coordination and counsel for the college’s Operations, Partnerships and Academics teams, especially around projects directed by the Dean.

+ Supervise and evaluate staff (including not only full/part time staff, but also student workers) in accordance with university policies.

+ Coordinate preparation of budgets and research reports in collaboration with college’s Executive Director of Finance.

+ Lead staff development, performance reviews, and coaching initiatives.

Percentage Of Time10

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested applicants must submit the following materials for a complete packet: (1) a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, (2) a current resume/CV, (3) a written response (maximum of one page, minimum 12-point font) to the following prompt:Describe a time where you demonstrated your ability to succeed as a persuasive leader without formal authority.Please upload your response under the “other” document slot, and (4) Contact information for three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel - Some evening and weekend hours and/or travel will be necessary. Up to 40% of the position may be travel, in order to attend trainings and community events.

Search ContactShannon M. Wagner, [email protected]

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume or CV

+ Other

Optional Documents