Sr Advisor, Engineering

University of Delaware
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Job No: 500130
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark
Categories: Engineering, Full Time

PAY GRADE: 33E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The College of Engineering (CoE) is one of the most complex academic units on campus with a broad range of departments, interdisciplinary centers, research institutes, and programs. The primary purpose of the Sr. Advisor (Chief of Staff) is to support the Dean in leading the short- and long-term priorities, initiatives and activities that relate to the academic, strategic and operational imperatives of the CoE. In addition, the Sr. Advisor will help manage the effective development, communication and execution of processes for institutional change that relate to the strategic plans and initiatives of the CoE. This position will be an advisory position to the Dean and members of CoE senior leadership team, as appropriate. The incumbent will be proactive in developing programs and initiatives to achieve and maintain an effective and efficient environment within the CoE.

The incumbent will serve as an advisor and “trusted counsel” to the Dean. S/he will serve as a conduit of information and will advise the Dean on key initiatives, and work collaboratively with senior leadership, internal and external constituents, faculty, staff and students to support the Dean with a wide range of highly confidential, complex, and sensitive executive, advisory and strategic duties. The Sr. Advisor will represent the interests and priorities of the Dean and CoE and serve as a key liaison between the Dean’s Office and internal and external constituents.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advise the Dean and other members of the CoE senior leadership team on matters related to the college’s long-range plans.
• Respond and act on behalf of the dean using the tact and diplomacy in matters of highly sensitive and confidential nature, and those requiring comprehensive knowledge of University policies including interactions with executive management and other university officials.
• Represent the Dean to senior University leaders, faculty members managers and other key stakeholders.
• Advance the strategic initiatives and agenda of the Dean and CoE from inception, planning and development, to management, execution and assessment.
• Facilitate communication with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni and work closely with the Dean and college leadership team to respond to a range of requests.
• Coordinate with the Dean to create strategic agendas for meetings, retreats, and workshops.
• Coordinate with the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer to ensure alignment of strategic initiatives and operations.
• Serve as first line response to many high-level, sensitive and highly classified matters that are directed to the Dean.
• Represent the College to other University divisions, external community partners, government agencies, students and their parents, and the general public as it relates to Dean’s/College’s initiatives and special projects.
• Collaborate with CoE development office to influence planning and Advisory Council engagement as related to the Dean’s priorities.
• Work closely with Dean and Dean’s Leadership Team to ensure that final decisions are made in a timely manner and in accordance with deadlines.
• Create materials necessary for meetings and ensure that presentations by the Dean are drafted and finalized.
• Plan and coordinate meetings to track and follow up on action items.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and six years of directly relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Management and public relations skills as well as broad knowledge and understanding of organizational policies, academic programs, interdisciplinary initiatives, cultural partnerships, and public engagement efforts at the college level
• Ability to perform duties of a sensitive and confidential nature that require discretion, independent judgment and sound decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail, results-oriented, able to prioritize and demonstrated history of successful supervisory experience.
• Strategic planning skills, including the ability to examine and reengineer operations and procedures, formulate policy, and develop and implement new strategies and procedures.
• Commitment to an organization that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, and promoting and enhancing inclusive excellence.
• Record of success in team building, employee development and staff supervision.
• Ability to manage a complex, diverse portfolio of activities on behalf of the Dean.
• Ability to analyze information and to draw conclusions, perform complex tasks, prioritize multiple projects, and make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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