Chief of Staff

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) invites nominations and applications for a dynamic, diplomatic, and forward-thinking Chief of Staff to serve as a trusted senior advisor to President Andrew "Andy" Feinstein. As a key member of the President's Cabinet, the Chief of Staff plays a vital role in fostering collaboration, enhancing communication, and advancing the university’s strategic initiatives.

​

The University of Northern Colorado is a public, doctoral research, and educational institution that is home to approximately 9,000 students and more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs housed across five colleges: Education and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Monfort College of Business, Natural and Health Sciences, and Performing and Visual Arts. In response to a current and growing need for new doctors, the university is also pursuing the creation of a sixth college – the College of Osteopathic Medicine – that is on track to welcome its first class as early as fall 2026.

​

UNC is committed to supporting its students and providing them with a high-quality education and a community in which they can thrive. The university’s expert faculty and tradition of scholarship and hands-on learning give students exceptional opportunities and a personalized education. UNC is proud to be Colorado’s newest Hispanic Serving Institution, to be recognized by the Colorado Department of Higher Education as a First Generation-Serving Institution, and to be designated as an R2 research institution.

​

The next Chief of Staff will arrive at a time of great promise and momentum with the 10-year strategic plan, Rowing, Not Drifting 2030, in its third phase of five two-year long phases. The plan’s commitment is to provide unparalleled opportunities that serve as the foundation in support of, and in service to, UNC students, faculty members, staff members, alumni, and to the community.

​

The Chief of Staff helps to ensure that the President’s vision is effectively translated into action by coordinating efforts across UNC leadership, supporting institutional priorities, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. The Chief of Staff oversees daily operations of the President's Office and supervises all professional staff within the President’s Office, including the Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees, the Director of Presidential Events, and the Executive Assistant to the Offices of the President and General Counsel.

​

Successful candidates will be known as strong networkers with the ability to build bridges, remove obstacles, and resolve politically challenging situations. The Chief of Staff will be a professional of unquestionable integrity and character, who will operate with complete discretion. The individual must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and substantial professional experience in building positive relationships and creating a welcoming and rewarding working environment. Additionally, the individual must be trustworthy and credible, quick to understand the President’s needs, highly collaborative, flexible yet decisive, tactful, politically aware, and capable of managing multiple projects, working within a budget, and meeting strict deadlines. The successful applicant will have a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience in a college, university, or similar setting, working closely with executive-level leaders.

​

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile found at https://apptrkr.com/6425325.

​

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Mercedes Chacon Vance or Kim Migoya at UNCoChiefofStaff@wittkieffer.com.

​

Compensation and Benefit Information

​

Compensation range: $175,000 - $185,000

​

Benefits: The University of Northern Colorado provides a wide range of benefits for its employees. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is available at https://www.unco.edu/human-resources/employee-resources/benefits/.

​

UNC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/Title IX employer committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body. In accordance with established laws, the University prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation for employees in all aspects of employment and for students in academic programs and activities. Please visit https://www.unco.edu/institutional-equity-compliance/ to learn more.

​

Commitment to Job Application Fairness: Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.