Chief of Staff and Project Manager

This position description establishes the leadership, operational, strategic planning, and project management responsibilities for the Chief of Staff and Project Manager supporting the Offices of Advancement, Government Affairs, University Relations, and Legal Affairs at New Mexico Highlands University.

The Chief of Staff and Project Manager shall serve as a senior strategic administrator responsible for coordinating operations, strategic initiatives, executive communications, project management, institutional planning, and cross-departmental collaboration for the Offices of Advancement, Government Affairs, University Relations, and Legal Affairs at New Mexico Highlands University. This position shall function as a key advisor and operational leader assisting executive leadership with institutional initiatives, high-level projects, compliance coordination, communications, donor and governmental engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

The Chief of Staff and Project Manager shall oversee strategic implementation initiatives and ensure alignment between University priorities, operational goals, governmental affairs, advancement efforts, marketing initiatives, legal compliance, and institutional communications

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate strategic initiatives and institutional projects across Advancement, Government Affairs, University Relations, and Legal Affairs.

· Assist executive leadership with organizational planning, operational coordination, and project implementation.

· Manage executive-level communications, presentations, reports, and institutional briefings.

· Coordinate interdepartmental collaboration regarding strategic initiatives and institutional priorities.

· Develop and monitor project timelines, implementation schedules, and operational deliverables.

· Assist with Board of Regents materials, presentations, reports, and strategic initiatives.

· Track departmental goals, metrics, and performance indicators.

· Coordinate institutional strategic planning and project management initiatives.

· Assist with donor engagement initiatives, governmental affairs projects, and external stakeholder communications.

· Coordinate executive meetings, committee meetings, and strategic planning sessions.

· Assist the Office of General Counsel with administrative legal operations, project tracking, policy coordination, and compliance initiatives.

· Assist with institutional policy development, operational reviews, and process improvement initiatives.

· Develop briefing materials for executive leadership regarding governmental affairs, advancement initiatives, institutional relations, and legal matters.

· Coordinate crisis management communications and operational response initiatives when assigned.

· Assist with development and monitoring of departmental budgets and operational resources.

· Oversee special projects and institutional initiatives assigned by executive leadership.

· Develop and maintain confidential operational records and institutional reports.

· Coordinate vendor relationships, contracts, and operational logistics as assigned.

· Monitor institutional deadlines and ensure completion of executive-level projects.

· Assist with community engagement, governmental outreach, and advancement activities.

Leadership and Project Management Responsibilities:

· Lead complex institutional initiatives involving multiple departments and stakeholders.

· Develop project management systems and organizational tracking procedures.

· Coordinate strategic implementation plans and operational assessments.

· Provide executive support to senior leadership and assist with institutional decision-making.

· Ensure accountability, efficiency, and operational effectiveness across assigned departments.

· Support institutional compliance and risk management initiatives.

· Assist with implementation of University strategic priorities and executive directives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.

· Master’s degree preferred in higher education administration, business administration, public administration, communications, law, project management, or related field.

· Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative, executive support, project management, governmental affairs, advancement, legal operations, or higher education leadership experience.

· Experience managing complex projects and institutional initiatives.

· Strong organizational, analytical, and operational leadership abilities.

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in highly sensitive matters.

· Experience working with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience in higher education administration.

· Experience with governmental affairs, advancement, university relations, or legal operations.

· Project management certification or experience preferred.

· Experience supporting Boards, executive leadership, or legal offices.

· Knowledge of New Mexico higher education systems and governmental structures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

· Exceptional organizational and project management skills.

· Strong leadership and executive communication abilities.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

· Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

· Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure and fast-paced environments.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success.