Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the Director, the Chief of Staff/Associate Director of Research (COS/ADS) serves as a key member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Howard University executive leadership team. The COS/ADS is responsible for the central coordination of activities (operations and research) and for ensuring the timely flow of information to and from the Director. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the strategic agenda and the research agenda of the Director, and for working with other senior executive leaders to develop the Director’s action plans, to initiate, lead, monitor, and evaluate projects, ensure that key projects emanating out of the Howard University Institute for Advanced Study have the resources needed, and ensures implementation of the Founder’s directives and initiatives.

Supervisory Authority:

The COS/ADS will manage three staff members who will be hired at the Institute: Research Manager, Administrative Assistant, and Social Media Coordinator.

Nature And Scope:

Internal contacts include executives, administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the University at large. External contacts include alumni, consultants, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors, and the general public.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Work closely with the Director and key stakeholders to oversee the development and execution of the Institute and the Director’s other projects
• Provide principal management support to the Founder
• Liaise with the Director and the finance staff to develop and maintain the center's budgetary planning
• Supervise three full-time staff members: the Social Media Coordinator, the Administrative Assistant, and the Research Manager
• Assist with the management and coordination of Institute-wide projects
• Represent the Founder in meetings concerning organizational planning, research, and communication
• Manage the flow of communication into and out of the Office of the Director to ensure consistency
• Plan with the Director the conceptual and creative direction of communication products
• Develop and build on relationships with all employees for increased efficiency and responsiveness of existing operations, and help define new operational strategies by working with the Director and other executives on special projects
• Serve on various Center committees as appointed by the Director
• Work closely with the Administrative Assistant to ensure the Director’s public and media appearances are run efficiently and cohesively
• Develop presentations, reports, correspondence, and proposals on behalf of the Director
• Coordinate special programs, meetings, projects, and purchases
• Respond to inquiries and manage the flow of confidential information with respect to personnel matters, grievances, and correspondence
• Support the Director in identifying internal and external challenges and opportunities with the bodies of work; serve as a key problem solver and innovator
• Develop and build on relationships with all Institute employees for increased efficiency and responsiveness of existing operations, and help define new operational strategies
• Hire, train, and manage a research team of part-time and full-time research assistants led by a Research Manager
• Conducts historical and empirical research on subject matters for the Director and reviews manuscripts
• Facilitate, in concert with the Director, communication and follow-up with university leadership
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director based on needs

Core Competencies:

• Communicate with discretion and confidentiality to internal and external stakeholders
• Represent Director with designated business/community leaders, elected/government officials, university/college leaders, and the general public
• Assist in the cultivation of relationships across the university and with other center partners across HBCU’s and field practitioners

Minimum Requirements:

• High-Level Manager

• Strong Researcher

• Strong Computer Skills

• Education: PhD, JD, MPA, MBA
• 5+ years of relevant professional work experience
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships across all levels
• Ability to work independently and remote while
• Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$115,000-$125,000