Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as our Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Organizational Effectiveness / Chief of Staff, an executive role responsible for leading our strategic initiatives, governance, and supporting the President and Dean in driving organizational effectiveness. This role will oversee human resources, events, culture and inclusion, and communications and marketing while also managing high-priority projects, strategic initiatives and operations, and crisis communication for the Law School. The ideal candidate is both a strategic leader and a trusted operational partner, capable of shaping a thriving workplace and ensuring the organization runs efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Oversee and contribute to all aspects of Marketing and Communications including policy development and implementation, and compliance that aligns with the School's strategic initiatives and community partnerships.
• Oversee and contribute to all aspects of Human Resources including policy development and implementation, and compliance that aligns with the School's strategic initiatives and community partnerships.
• Oversee and contribute to the Culture and Inclusion function including policy development and implementation, and compliance that aligns with the School's strategic initiatives and community partnerships.
• Develop and oversee an events function including policy development and implementation, and compliance that aligns with the School's strategic initiatives and community partnerships.
• Provide strategic direction and project management for the Marketing and Communications, Human Resources, Culture and Inclusion, and events functions
• Lead initiatives to strengthen organizational effectiveness including employee engagement, and workplace inclusion.
• Advise the President and Dean and leadership team on campus strategy, policy, governance, and organizational design.

Executive Support & Organizational Effectiveness

• Act as a close, working partner to the President and Dean, managing key projects, executive priorities, and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Participates with senior leadership in strategic planning and problem resolution affecting major segments of the School; ensures matters requiring the attention of School leadership are thoroughly developed, researched and evaluated.
• Coordinate internal communications and ensure alignment between leadership and staff.
• Contribute to and coordinate crisis communication to preserve and enhance the school's reputation.
• Track progress on strategic initiatives and provide actionable insights to the executive team. May manage and lead initiatives.
• Facilitate board reporting or other executive-level communications as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between the President and Dean, leadership team, and staff, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and accountability.
• Anticipates, identifies and troubleshoots issues of concern or significance; exercises discretion to provide timely information and necessary updates across multiple stakeholders; responds to inquiries as delegated by the executive.
• Provides support, structure, and advice for effective Board governance.

Leadership & Culture

• Model and reinforce the organization's values and mission.
• Champion workplace culture and inclusion initiatives.
• Ensure institutional policies are updated and consistent with mission and organizational priorities.
• Promote an environment of transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• MBA, JD, MPA in Organization Development or a related field and a minimum of 8 years of leadership experience in executive operations or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Experience supervising Marketing and Communications, Human Resources, and/or Culture and Inclusion functions including supervising staff at the director level or above preferred.
• Strong understanding of best practices, and organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to manage executive priorities, lead projects, and coordinate cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• High emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience working with governing boards.

Competencies

• Strategic leadership and decision-making
• Bridging high-level thinking with practical action and results – orientation execution
• Talent development and coaching
• Change management
• Project management and operational efficiency
• Relationship building and conflict resolution

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is $140,000 - $215,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life/AD&D insurance (MHSL pays for)
• Optional Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits (MHSL pays for)
• Generous Holidays and Winter Break
• 403(b) Retirement plan (Generous MHSL match)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Competitive compensation package

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to shape the culture, strategy, and operations of an independent law school committed to access and opportunity. You will have a direct impact on both our people and our mission, making this role highly visible and highly influential.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled or otherwise closed at the School's discretion.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Notice of Nondiscrimination re: Title IX Sex Discrimination

Mitchell Hamline School of Law prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions about sex discrimination or harassment to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination and information about reporting concerns is located on our website (https://mitchellhamline.edu/students/title-ix/).