How to Apply
- A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience
- The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment. This includes providing employees with flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 3 – 4 days per week during the academic year, with additional seasonal flexibility
Job Summary
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan is looking for a Chief of Staff to provide high-level strategic, operational, and executive support to the Dean and senior leadership team. You will report to the Dean.
As Chief of Staff, you will help advance the Ford School’s academic vision, institutional priorities, and operational effectiveness. You will provide counsel to the Dean, lead and support school-wide strategic projects, strengthen executive operations, support faculty governance, and connect teams, units, and university partners to advance priorities including Resilient Democracies, Democracy and Civic Empowerment, and related efforts in academics, research, student experience, public engagement, and operational alignment.
The Ford School is one of the nation’s foremost policy schools, housed at one of the world’s great public universities. We are a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities’ and our world’s most pressing challenges. To learn more about the Ford School, read About Us.
Responsibilities*
Strategic Leadership and Project Management (35%)
- Partner with the Dean and senior leadership team to advance the Ford School’s strategic priorities, institutional goals, and long-term planning efforts
- Lead and manage high-priority, cross-functional initiatives from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment, accountability, and measurable progress
- Provide strategic and operational guidance for school-wide initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and support mission-driven outcomes
- Monitor progress on key priorities, identify risks or barriers, and recommend solutions to keep initiatives moving forward
Engagement and Communication (30%)
- Strengthen coordination between the Ford School, university-wide initiatives, senior leaders, communications staff, and key internal and external partners
- Support engagement with university leaders, public officials, alumni, donors, community partners, and external partners, while also advancing collaboration across internal teams, committees, and school priorities
- Collaborate with the Dean, senior leaders, and communications staff to develop messaging, planning materials, response strategies, and leadership communications for internal and external audiences
- Draft and coordinate Dean’s Office communications to faculty, staff, students, donors, alumni, partners, and other key audiences
- Identify and advance opportunities for cross-unit collaboration, institutional visibility, public impact, internal alignment, stronger decision-making, and improved organizational processes
- Represent the Dean’s Office in select meetings, working groups, and engagements with university, school, and external partners as appropriate
Dean’s Office Leadership and Executive Support (25%)
- Serve as a senior advisor to the Dean on academic, operational, administrative, and community matters
- Provide leadership and coordination for Dean’s Office operations, including workflows, supervision of designated staff, follow-up processes, and priority management
- Prepare executive reports, proposals, agendas, talking points, correspondence, and meeting materials for internal and external audiences
- Coordinate closely with the Dean’s assistant to align communications, scheduling priorities, meeting preparation, and action items
Faculty Governance and Academic Administration (10%)
- Support faculty governance processes, including agenda development, committee coordination, policy updates, leadership assignments, and follow-up actions
- Partner with Academic HR and school leaders on faculty reviews, hiring processes, appointments, and related academic personnel matters
- Help ensure academic and administrative processes are clear, consistent, well-coordinated, and aligned with school and university priorities
- Provide guidance and project support for academic planning, governance improvements, and faculty-related initiatives
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Five or more years of experience managing complex projects or strategic initiatives
- Prior supervisory or team leadership experience
- Experience working with senior leaders and diverse constituencies
- Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, proofreading, and developing clear presentations
- Ability to use sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment
Why Work at Michigan?
The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- Retirement plan with two-for-one university matching contributions and immediate vesting
- Health insurance options
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts
- Paid parental leave
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
281475
Working Title
Chief of Staff
Job Title
Policy Advis to Vice Prov/Dean
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
School Pub Policy
Department
G. Ford Sc Pub Pol
Posting Begin/End Date
8/12/2026 – 8/31/2026
Career Interest
Administration
