Chief of Staff to the President

Seattle University (SU), a leading Jesuit Catholic institution, seeks a strategic and collaborative professional to serve as Chief of Staff (COS) to the President. The COS will join a dynamic institution committed to providing a transformative education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in an urban setting and will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President. The COS is integral to helping advance the President’s vision, driving institutional priorities, and facilitating strategic alignment and execution across the university.

One of 27 Jesuit universities in the United States, and a premier independent college in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle University is recognized for its undergraduate teaching and community engagement. The university enrolls approximately 4,000 undergraduates and 2,700 graduate students across seven schools and colleges and two campuses, as well as 800 law students. Its approximately 750 faculty members (525 full-time) engage in teaching, research, and service with a clear focus on academic excellence, justice, leadership, and diversity, emphasizing the student experience of learning in all of its forms – in the classroom, on campus, and around the world.

The President’s Chief of Staff will be joining Seattle University at a pivotal moment in the institution’s history. Dr. Maura Mast will assume the presidency on September 1 as the first woman to lead the university, and the campus is poised for an exciting future marked by innovation and change. Serving as a member of the President’s Roundtable and Senior Leadership Team, the COS will enhance the President’s effectiveness by providing counsel on matters of strategic importance, keeping the President informed of key initiatives across the university, and helping protect, promote, and advance the President’s vision, priorities, and time. The successful candidate will bring strong judgment, authenticity, diplomacy, and discretion, and the ability to navigate complex issues and competing priorities alongside a strong and engaged leadership team. The COS will be an exceptional institutional navigator and relationship builder, regularly working collaboratively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to the university.

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $180,000-$210,000. This range takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs, and is a good faith estimate. Seattle University offers a robust and comprehensive benefits program for its employees in order to attract and retain individuals that will carry out its mission. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Julie Filizetti is leading this search with Leslie Lemus, Lauren Wilkes, and Gabi Nayar.

Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.