Chief of Staff
Salary: $140,000 – $155,000* Annually
Classification: Administrative Exempt
Reports to: Olympic College President
Priority consideration given to applications received by Friday, September 4, 2026
The Chief of Staff at Olympic College serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to the President, providing executive leadership, organizational coordination, and operational oversight in support of the college’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The position acts as a liaison among executive leadership, governance bodies, faculty, staff, students, community partners, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment, accountability, and effective execution of institutional initiatives.
The Chief of Staff manages government relations, special projects, facilitates cross-functional collaboration, supports strategic planning efforts, and oversees executive communications and institutional priorities. This role requires exceptional leadership, political acumen, organizational skills, and a deep commitment to student success and equity.
Essential Functions
Executive Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Serve as principal strategic advisor to the President.
- Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of the college’s strategic plan.
- Coordinate institutional priorities and ensure alignment across divisions.
- Lead special initiatives and high-priority projects on behalf of the President.
- Conduct research, analysis, and policy reviews to support executive decision-making.
Organizational Effectiveness
- Manage cross-functional projects that impact multiple departments.
- Track institutional goals, objectives, and performance metrics.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among executive leadership team members.
- Identify operational challenges and recommend solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Governance and Board Relations
- Coordinate activities related to the Board of Trustees.
- Prepare board agendas, reports, presentations, and supporting materials.
- Monitor compliance with board policies and institutional governance requirements.
- Support shared governance processes involving faculty, staff, and students.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist in developing executive communications, speeches, presentations, and reports.
- Represent the President in meetings and community events, as assigned.
- Foster relationships with governmental agencies, business leaders, educational partners, and community organizations.
- Ensure consistent messaging regarding college priorities and initiatives.
Institutional Planning and Compliance
- Monitor progress on accreditation recommendations and strategic initiatives.
- Support risk management, policy development, and institutional effectiveness efforts.
- Coordinate executive responses to emerging issues and organizational priorities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Supervision and Leadership
- Provide leadership and supervision for Institutional Research & Effectiveness and assigned departments or staff.
- Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Support diversity, equity, inclusion, and student-centered decision-making throughout the institution.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Leadership, or a related field.
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
- Experience in higher education administration, government, nonprofit, or public-sector leadership.
- Demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives and managing complex projects.
- Experience working with executive leaders, governing boards, and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Doctorate (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in a related discipline
- Experience in a community college environment.
- Knowledge of accreditation, shared governance, and higher education policy.
The successful candidate will possess:
- Strategic planning and organizational leadership.
- Project management and process improvement.
- Executive communications and relationship management.
- Political and organizational awareness.
- Policy analysis and institutional research.
- Budgeting and resource management.
- Effective facilitation, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to serving diverse populations and advancing student success.
Additional Information
Terms of Employment
Please note that we are unable to sponsor visas for this position. Only candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States will be considered.
This is a full-time position scheduled to work Monday through Friday. The salary for this position is $140,000 to $155,000* annually DOE, which includes a generous benefits package that includes the following:
Medical/vision, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental dismemberment, Flexible Spending Arrangement, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Wellness Programs, SBRP retirement plan administered by TIAA, Deferred Compensation Program (DRS) retirement savings plan; TIAA supplemental retirement savings plan, 11 paid holidays, leave – vacation/sick/personal holiday, Aflac, auto/home insurance, space available tuition waiver, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center, reduced rate and priority consideration for on-site childcare based on space availability.
For more information regarding benefits, please visit our website here.
Conditions of Employment
- Prior to hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will be required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form as required by HB 2327.
- The employee must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance of the campus to respond to workplace reporting requirements at the time of hiring. Frequent travel to Olympic College campuses or other sites may occur.
How To Apply
To be considered for this position, a candidate must apply online through the Olympic College website and submit the following required materials:
- Olympic College Online Application
- Philosophy of Leadership statement
- Resume
- Cover Letter – in your cover letter, describe how your experience sets you apart for this position.
- Unofficial college transcripts. Official transcripts and copies of mandated certifications will be required of the successful candidate.
EEO Statement
Olympic College values equity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Olympic College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment but is not limited to unwelcome sexual conduct. Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Erin Pohl, Title VII and Title IX, building 5, room 528A, 360-475-7303. Olympic College is a smoke-free/drug-free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed or modified without notice.
Olympic College
Human Resources
1600 Chester Ave Bldg. 5 – 5th Floor
Bremerton, WA 98337
