Chief of Staff

The Chief of Staff (COS) is a thought partner to the Vice President and University Chief Information Officer / Vice President of Harvard University Information Technology (VP & UCIO) and a key leader in Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT).

The COS develops and maintains a close working relationship with the VP & UCIO and stakeholders, internal and external to HUIT, to advance all priorities and initiatives.

The COS reports directly to the VP & UCIO and serves as the organization's primary contact on all matters involving the VP & UCIO office.

The COS directly supports daily, mid-term, and long-term activities and projects advancing the VP & UCIO agenda to ensure that all are on track.

The priority areas of this role are constantly changing and will evolve over time. The COS builds and maintains close relationships and ongoing contact with the HUIT Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

The COS responds to time-sensitive and / or urgent situations, which requires 24 / 7 availability during crisis situations, and must balance the daily work against the broader portfolio of project work.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Understand and drive VP & UCIO priorities : The COS anticipates needs and identifies gaps, emerging trends, and areas of focus.

• Areas of focus will change as VP & UCIO agenda, priorities, and gaps change.
• Ensure issues and results are tracked and information flows to and from the office of the VP & UCIO.
• Conduct research and prepare presentations / documents and talking points for the VP & UCIO on various topics.

Performs complex duties on behalf of VP & UCIO : Acts as a representative of the VP & UCIO office across a broad spectrum of topics, including standing in for the VP & UCIO in meetings or calls.

• Facilitate resolution of matters requiring the VP & UCIO 's attention.
• Manage and develop agendas and documents for staff and key committee meetings.
• In partnership with the VP & UCIO’s Executive Coordinator, determine the VP & UCIO’s activities and calendar to ensure that the VP & UCIO’s time is appropriately planned and effectively spent.

HUIT Internal Coordination : Communicates work directions of the VP & UCIO, collaborating with the HUIT team to achieve actionable results through others.

• Work with HUIT staff to review the daily briefing book to ensure the VP & UCIO’s daily preparation.
• Collaborate with VP & UCIO’s EA on schedule, ensuring consistency with priorities, evaluating requests for the VP and UCIO’s attention, and resolving questions and conflicts.
• Assure the effective and on time delivery of key and effectiveness of key events.
• Provide all advance work for the VP & UCIO’s upcoming meetings and presentations.
• Maintain close contact with the VP & UCIO’s senior leadership team (SLT) members, monitoring progress towards meeting goals and operating a reporting system that allows for the timely flow of data into and out of the Office of the VP & UCIO.

As needed attend 1x1 meetings and assure delivery of key projects, materials and outcomes at a high standard of quality and excellence.

• Owner of HUIT organization-wide goal-setting process and monitors progress toward meeting goals.
• Coordinate the work of the VP & UCIO’s direct support team - the VP & UCIO's Executive Coordinator and the Communications Specialist as well as many others across and beyond HUIT to further VP UCIO and Harvard’s objectives.
30+ days ago