Code
5184
PCLS
N1021
Pay Grade
1
Exempt
Yes
ORP
Yes
EEO Code
1
Title
Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President for System, Governmental, and University Relations
Description

The Chief of Staff and Assistant to the President for System, Governmental, and University Relations (COS) serves as a trusted aide, thought partner, and senior advisor to the President of Midwestern State University (MSU). This individual is a member of the President’s Leadership Team and works with a wide range of individuals to advance cross-functional projects and administrative responsibilities. The COS works at the direction of and on behalf of the President to ensure smooth function and extension of the Office of the President. The COS reviews and analyzes internal and external communications and responses of the Office of the President, gathers information relative to such matters, identifies issues and concerns impacting the university, and assists with the preparation and/or review of oral or written presentations or briefings, speeches, testimony, or interview responses for the President, in coordination with other members of the Leadership Team and departments. The COS is responsible for the management and operations of the Office of the President, including supervising professional and support staff. The COS also oversees and provides strategic leadership to the Office of Marketing and Public Information. The individual in this position have the ability to seamlessly pursue goals and make progress in a timely manner.

This position serves as the MSU liaison with the Texas Tech University (TTU) System, and works with the System Governmental Relations Office to plan and execute a governmental relations plan that advances MSU’s mission and strategic goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected and appointed officials and stakeholders. The COS provides excellent judgment, diplomacy, and understanding of university issues to support the President. Through the lens of student success, the COS serves as an enthusiastic and informed ambassador for initiatives central to the university’s commitment to its core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections. The COS serves at the discretion of and has responsibilities and authority delegated by the President.

 

Examples

Serves as an advisor and trusted partner to the President and works to support and facilitate strategic initiatives and goals of the university

Works with the TTU System executive leadership as liaison to MSU and coordinates the planning, preparation, and delivery of agenda items and materials for the TTU System Board of Regents meetings.

Works in coordination with the TTU System Governmental Relations Office to support federal and state government initiatives for MSU.

Participates with the President and other senior officers in institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution.

Responsible for a broad range of administrative and executive duties, special projects, and initiatives involving the Office of the President and its priorities

Oversees and provides supervision to the personnel in the Office of the President and the Director of Marketing and Public Information.

Liaises between the Office of the President and MSU staff and faculty, senior administrators, student body, community groups, other agencies, and groups as directed by the President to facilitate initiatives with university-wide impact.

Represents the President with external and internal stakeholders as directed by the President.

Promotes a positive image of the university and higher education by representing the university in community, state, and regional activities.

Prepares, reviews, and edits briefing documents, reports, talking points, and campus messages for the President. Ensures quality control on critical materials representing the President’s Office.

Assists the President with administration and staff hiring, as directed.

Maintains confidentiality both internally and externally.

Produces work with accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness.

Travels with the President and independently as needed for university matters.

Physical Condition
Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of significant experience in higher education, or another comparable field. Progressively senior level administrative roles with responsibilities for supporting a President or Chief Executive Officer (i.e., in a corporate or institutional setting).

Knowledge

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: This section describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to satisfactorily perform the job.

 Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Possesses superior problem-solving, organization, and interpersonal skills, with a keen attention to detail, and the ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships and networks.

Impeccable judgment and discretion.

Ability to understand and synthesize complex issues and information. 

Commitment to the highest standards of quality and the ability to consistently execute that commitment in materials or activities produced for the President.

Detail-oriented with exceptional decision-making abilities and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Flexibility in initiating and responding to changing priorities and crisis situations.

Exhibits professionalism in attitudes and actions, including appearance, attendance, cooperation, timeliness, courtesy, dependability, and attentiveness.

Education

Requires a master’s degree in communications, public relations, business administration, public administration, higher education, or in a related field from a regionally accredited higher education institution 

Additional Requirements

Strong organizational and communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to multi-task, prioritize, maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines.

Standard Requirements

Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.

Last Updated 10-09-2023