Chief of Staff

The University of Maine (“UMaine”) seeks a high-level trusted advisor and chief of staff to the President/Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (VCRI).

This is a particularly impactful time in the institution’s more than 150-year history. The University of Maine System recently received a $240 million investment from the Harold Alfond Foundation; it is the largest gift ever given to a public institution of higher education in New England and will propel to new heights the state’s largest educational, research, innovation and talent development asset. Along with our unified accreditation and Strategic Vision and Values, which affirm our focus on fostering student success, discovering and innovating, and growing and advancing partnerships, this transformational gift provides an opportunity to attract exceptional and collaborative leaders to the University of Maine community.  We seek applicants who lead effectively through meaningful change; value and uphold transparency; demonstrate a commitment to promoting and supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity; support world-changing research; encourage innovative teaching practices; recognizing and seize opportunities; and amplify the university’s profile.

The flagship campus of the University of Maine System, UMaine is a land, sea, and space grant university serving the state, nation, and world through its research, teaching, economic development, and public service mission. The institution has a foundational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. UMaine is located in the town of Orono, with a regional campus at the University of Maine at Machias (“UMaine Machias”), and has facilities, faculty, and staff statewide. UMaine is home to a vibrant community of more than 11,000 students who are drawn to this institution from across Maine, Wabanaki First Nations, almost all of the U.S. states, and 62 countries. The University offers more than 90 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs taught by world-class faculty with modern teaching and laboratory facilities. With a sustained focus on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship and annual extramural research expenditures exceeding $137 million, UMaine is seeking to achieve the highest Carnegie Classification as a doctoral university with very high research activity. Located on Marsh Island in the Penobscot Nation homeland and home to the state’s sole Division I athletic program, the University employs 1,030 full and part-time faculty, and 1,560 staff. It is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the state through research, cultural enrichment, and the development of an educated workforce. UMaine Machias offers its 650 students baccalaureate degrees within an active and diverse community of learners who share a commitment to exploration, leadership, collaboration, and interdisciplinary problem solving.

Chief of Staff represents the President to internal and external constituencies, and on committees and meetings as assigned. Chief of Staff serves as liaison for the President/VCRI with the Chancellor, other Vice Chancellors, the University of Maine System Office and the UMS Board of Trustees; the University of Maine and University of Maine at Machias Boards of Visitors; leaders of federal and state government; federal and state legislators; business leaders; and internal and external constituencies, where appropriate. Chief of Staff also represents the President as needed at the state, regional, national and international levels, depending on the President’s roles and responsibilities in organizations beyond the University. At the request of the President/VCRI, Chief of Staff provides advice and counsel in institutional policy development; University and System communication; administration; shared governance; faculty, staff, and student welfare; and research and economic development to further the mission and success of the University. Chief of Staff serves as a key member of the President’s Cabinet, assists in the development and implementation of the internal and external communication strategy for the President/VCRI, and acts as the point person on behalf of the President for crisis management.

Strong candidates for the position will have strategic leadership engagement in such President’s Office areas as office management, budget oversight, personnel, and planning. A master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required, in addition to exceptional communication skills, and significant experience in higher education administration, public policy or within large, complex organizations, and working with senior executives. Additionally, the best-suited candidates will demonstrate commitment to maintaining collegial relationships with a diverse group of constituencies, and will be a highly intuitive and resourceful, and strong network builders, with the ability to interact and influence at the most senior levels of an organization and to work collaboratively across functions, levels and departments toward shared objectives.

Appropriate background checks are required.

The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amie Parker, Interim Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).