Chief of Staff & Communications Manager

Chief of Staff & Communications Manager
Position Office: School of Nursing, University of Georgia

Position Summary
The Chief of Staff and Communications Manager serves as the primary executive aide, strategic facilitator, and communications lead for the Founding Dean. This role ensures the Dean’s priorities, communications, and engagements are effectively managed, providing high-level coordination, project tracking, and executive administrative support. It also develops and executes a comprehensive communications strategy for the School of Nursing, managing the school’s brand presence, digital platforms, media relations, and stakeholder communications.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage daily administrative and operational activities of the Dean’s Office for optimal executive functioning.

Set standards for executive briefing materials, reports, and presentations.

Establish tactical plans and governance frameworks for school-wide initiatives.

Lead departmental sub-function providing administrative services to the leadership team.

Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Design and implement office-wide processes, policies, and service standards.

Resolve complex operational problems and manage high-priority special projects.

Hold budgetary accountability for unit’s operating and capital budgets.

Hold full authority for personnel actions for assigned staff.

Oversee critical internal service functions: facility maintenance, space planning, procurement.

Develop and implement a multi-channel communications strategy for the School of Nursing.

Draft and produce Dean’s communications: newsletters, presentations, remarks, reports.

Create and maintain a daily news summary for the Dean and leadership team.

Manage the school’s communications calendar ensuring consistent messaging.

Oversee maintenance of all School of Nursing websites.

Serve as primary point of contact for media inquiries and pitches.

Write and disseminate press releases and media advisories.

Collaborate with UGA’s Division of Marketing and Communications.

Represent the Dean’s Office in campus-wide committees.

Facilitate communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Support planning and execution of signature Dean’s Office events and engagements.

Gather, organize, and synthesize information for executive decision‑making.

Manage school communications files, mailing lists, and distribution systems.

Maintain administrative memo listservs.

Ensure compliance with open records, public disclosure, and confidentiality requirements.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent with 10 years of professional experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Exceptional writing skills across multiple formats.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Knowledge of a complex research university and academic health
ursing context.

Ability to conceive, plan, execute, and assess multi-channel communications projects.

Knowledge of website structure and content management.

Familiarity with graphic design principles and experience working with designers.

Proficiency with social media platforms and digital communications tools.

Familiarity with AP Stylebook.

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.

Ability to set up and manage listservs and email distribution lists.

Mastery of open records, public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.

Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and independent judgment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Exceptional writing skills across multiple formats.

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage complex priorities.

Knowledge of and appreciation for a complex research university.

Ability to conceive, plan, execute, and assess multi-channel communications projects.

Knowledge of website structure and content management; ability to work with web designers to launch and maintain sites.

Familiarity with graphic design principles and experience working with design professionals.

Proficiency with social media platforms and digital communications tools.

Familiarity with AP Stylebook and ability to apply consistent style standards across publications.

Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to set up and manage listservs and email distribution lists.

Mastery of open records, public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.

Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Physical Demands
Occasional lifting and carrying of promotional or event materials (approximately 15–20 pounds).

Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status.

Contact Information
Contact Name: Laika Steiger
Email: laika.steiger@uga.edu
Phone: [Phone number if provided]

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