Chicago State University Applicant Portal Site Deputy Chief of Staff
Deputy Chief of Staff
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Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number S26381P
Posting Date
Closing Date
Title Deputy Chief of Staff
Working Title Deputy Chief of Staff
Salary Range $70,000-84,000 Annually
Employee Class Administrator
Department Communication & External Relations
Full-time/ Part-time Full-time
Specialization
At least three years of demonstrated experience in leading complex, cross-
functional projects related to community, government, or corporate
partnerships
At least two years of demonstrated experience in managing grants,
including overseeing budgets and project implementation
Hours Per Week 40
Standard Work Week Monday-Friday
Benefits This position is eligible for health, dental, life insurance and other benefits through Chicago State University. Click here for a complete list of benefits: https: // csu.edu/humanresources/benefits.htm
Job Summary The Deputy Chief of Staff provides strategic, operational, and project management leadership to the University's Office of External Affairs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of External Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, this individual is the second-most senior member of the Department of External Affairs. This role drives the advancement of the University's public mission by coordinating legislative priorities, external relations, and advancement initiatives in alignment with state, system, and institutional goals. The position serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and a central coordinator across academic, administrative, and external stakeholders—ensuring initiatives are executed efficiently, compliantly, and with appropriate public accountability.
Job Description Project & Initiative Execution and Management
Lead and manage complex, cross-functional initiatives related to
government relations, public funding, capital projects, and institutional
advancement.
Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and performance metrics for
high-priority initiatives, including legislative strategies and public-
facing campaigns.
Identify risks, dependencies, and compliance considerations; proactively
address challenges to ensure timely and effective outcomes.
Coordinate messaging and outreach efforts to ensure consistency across
government affairs, advancement, communications, and academic units
Key bodies of work include:
Government Affairs: Support state, federal, and local government relations
efforts, including policy analysis and stakeholder engagement,
particularly supporting our federal engagement strategy and the National
Coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions.
Partnership & Advancement: The Deputy Chief of Staff will spearhead the
university's partnership strategy, including owning the creation and
management of a partnership strategy for the university and the success of
several highly visible and complex relationships. This work will include
working across the university to create relationships that fully benefit
the university and our community.
Event Czar: The Office of External Affairs hosts over a dozen highly
visible, complicated events that include distinguished guests and
audiences of hundreds. The Deputy Chief of Staff will ensure the
Department hosts well-run events.
Center for Workforce Equity & Illinois Center for Education Equity –
supporting special initiatives out of the Centers, particularly as it
relates to partnership engagement.
Strategic Positioning, Data, & Continuous Improvement
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Senior Vice President, leading
planning, prioritization, and execution of division-wide goals.
Manage philanthropic, state, and federal grant budgets, project plans, and
seeking grants
Track key performance indicators and outcomes across initiatives
Oversee day-to-day operations of the External Affairs Department,
including agenda management, follow-up tracking, and decision
documentation.
Support compliance with applicable state laws, public records
requirements, ethics rules, lobbying regulations, and system policies.
Assist with budget planning, expenditure tracking, and reporting in
accordance with public university and system guidelines.
Communications, Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as a primary point of coordination between the External Affairs
Department, university leadership, system offices, and external
stakeholders.
Draft and review internal reports and materials
Support transparency and accountability through timely reporting and data-
driven updates.
Manage the SVP's calendar, schedule, and communications
Minimum Qualifications Must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date
Bachelor's degree.
A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required;
3–5 years of progressively complex experience in a public university,
government agency, system office, or related public-sector or non-profit
environment.
Strong understanding of public governance, political processes, and
organizational dynamics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience
preparing materials for senior leaders and public officials.
Excellent project management skills
Experience in running well-organized, complex events
Sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail
Relationship management and diplomacy
Commitment to public higher education and service
Experience working with or supporting governing boards, system offices, or
elected officials.
Master's degree in public administration, public policy, higher education,
business, or related field preferred.
Strategic planning and execution
Public-sector project management
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Additional Applicant Information
Physical Requirement/ Demands
Work Environment
May require occasional evening or weekend work to support legislative
sessions, board meetings, or university events.
Periodic travel may be required for meetings with legislators, system
offices, or external partners.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
References
Optional Documents
