View Job description for Chief of Staff

Advance Institutional Strategy and Executive Leadership as Chief of Staff at CWI!

Are you a strategic leader who excels at driving organizational effectiveness, managing complex initiatives, and building alignment across diverse stakeholders? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as the principal aide and trusted advisor to the President, providing leadership, strategic counsel, and operational oversight in support of the College’s mission and vision.

In this highly visible role, you will help advance presidential priorities, coordinate institution-wide initiatives, support governance operations, and foster collaboration across the College’s leadership team, Board of Trustees, and community partners.

Why Join CWI?

At CWI, leadership is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and student success. As Chief of Staff, you will play a pivotal role in supporting executive decision-making, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring alignment across the institution. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of Idaho’s largest community college while working closely with senior leaders on issues that impact students, employees, and the broader community.

Benefits:

CWI offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive benefits packages in higher education, including:

• Premium healthcare plans
• 11%+ employer retirement contributions
• Tuition discounts
• Generous personal leave
• Professional development opportunities

Executive Leadership & Strategic Partnership:

• Serve as the President’s principal aide, advisor, and thought partner
• Partner with executive leaders to execute the President’s agenda, strategic priorities, and institutional initiatives
• Ensure presidential directives, projects, and priorities maintain momentum and progress across the college
• Provide strategic guidance and support on complex institutional matters
• Prepare briefings, reports, presentations, and recommendations that support executive decision-making

Governance & Board Relations:

• Lead the development and coordination of agendas, materials, and strategies for governance bodies, including the Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, and Administrative Council
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Trustees on matters not directly managed by the President
• Support governance policy implementation, trustee communications, and election administration activities
• Ensure effective coordination and follow-through on Board actions and institutional priorities

Institutional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison between the President and faculty, staff, students, alumni, community leaders, elected officials, and external stakeholders
• Represent the President’s views and priorities in internal and external settings, as appropriate
• Foster productive relationships and partnerships that support institutional goals
• Ensure timely, accurate, and strategic communication between the Office of the President and the broader college community

Operations, Administration & Project Leadership:

• Oversee daily operations of the Office of the President, including administration, staffing, policies, and procedures
• Supervise President’s Office employees and support a high-performing, service-oriented team culture
• Manage special projects and strategic initiatives on behalf of the President
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, establish timelines, and monitor progress toward project goals
• Ensure appropriate review and processing of presidential contracts, agreements, and signature requests
• Coordinate strategic management of the President’s and Board’s schedules

Strategic Planning, Policy & Organizational Effectiveness:

• Provide oversight and support for institutional strategic planning and performance reporting efforts
• Support the development, review, and implementation of college policies
• Promote alignment among leadership teams, departments, and institutional priorities
• Utilize data, assessment, and best practices to evaluate initiatives and recommend improvements
• Contribute to college-wide planning, policy development, and organizational effectiveness efforts

Budget & Resource Management:

• Manage the Office of the President budget and monitor related expenditures
• Support budget planning, resource allocation, and financial stewardship activities
• Ensure operational decisions align with institutional priorities and fiscal responsibility

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a senior administrative, executive, academic, or leadership environment
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and ability to handle highly confidential information
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence within a collaborative, decentralized organization
• Strong political acumen and ability to build productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Experience managing complex projects, priorities, and organizational initiatives
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Ability to translate ambiguity into clear direction and actionable outcomes
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting executive leadership, boards, or governance organizations
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organizations
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, policy development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading cross-functional teams
• Strong understanding of shared governance and stakeholder engagement practices

Leadership Competencies:

• Collaborative and relationship-focused leadership style
• High degree of initiative, professionalism, and accountability
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to foster trust, transparency, and inclusive decision-making
• Resilience, adaptability, and sound judgment in dynamic environments
• Commitment to creating a positive workplace culture that values employee contributions and supports institutional success