Job Description

Vice President of Engagement & Chief of Staff

Office of the Chief Learner Experience & Success Officer

Exempt, Regular, Full-Time

UPDATED 1.15.26

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) seeks an experienced and mission-driven servant leader as a Vice President of Engagement and Chief of Staff (VP/CoS) that serves as the strategic and operational right-hand to the Chief Learner Experience and Success Officer (CLESO). Reporting directly to the CLESO, they will ensure the seamless execution of the CLESO organization's vision and priorities. This role leads the operational rhythm, governance, and performance management frameworks that enable the CLESO organization to deliver transformative learner experiences, at scale. The VP/CoS translates strategy into action, aligning people, processes, and resources across a complex matrix of academic, digital, and operational functions. 

As a member of the CLESO leadership team, the VP/CoS oversees core operational functions including governance and project support, the data driven architecture measuring the learner experience, product management coordination, institutional effectiveness, and communications. The role ensures the CLESO organization's systems, meetings, and reporting cycles drive accountability and collaboration — supporting a culture of clarity, agility, and measurable impact. 

Strategic Alignment and Execution

• Translate the CLESO's strategic vision into actionable initiatives, connecting goals to measurable outcomes across departments
• Lead the CLESO organization's annual and quarterly planning cycles, integrating OKRs, resource planning, and institutional priorities
• Partner with the President's Office, Cabinet, and other divisional leaders to align CLESO initiatives with system-wide strategy and transformation goals
• Prepare executive briefings, progress dashboards, and board-level materials to ensure transparent communication of results and priorities

Operational Excellence and Governance

• Oversee division-wide operations, including budgeting, staffing, and performance tracking
• Lead Governance & Project Support to ensure projects are executed on time, on scope, and on strategy
• Direct the LENS Hub (systematic data reporting architecture to understand the learner experience through data) and Product Management Operations, ensuring that operational frameworks, KPI reporting, and project delivery models enable consistency across portfolios and service areas
• Maintain meeting cadences, documentation standards, and decision-making protocols that enhance efficiency and accountability

Data, Insight, and Performance Partnership

• Partner with the Center for Institutional Effectiveness (CIE) to align divisional goals with institutional KPIs and performance dashboards
• Synthesize data and insights across functions to inform executive decision-making and continuous improvement
• Promote data transparency and evidence-based practices throughout the learner experience ecosystem

Communications and Engagement

• Lead CLESO and Student Communications, developing messaging strategies that reflect a unified, learner-centered voice across all internal and external channels 
• Coordinate student-facing communications in partnership with Enrollment, Advising, Career, and Digital Experience teams to ensure consistency in tone, timing, and impact
• Serve as a strategic communication partner to division leaders, helping their teams communicate more clearly, efficiently, and effectively
• Oversee internal communications and engagement to ensure CLESO staff are informed, aligned, and inspired by the division's mission

Leadership and Culture

• Build strong relationships across the CLESO leadership team, fostering collaboration and shared accountability
• Mentor staff to strengthen execution, communication, and problem-solving capabilities
• Champion a culture of transparency, precision, and service — ensuring that every process and message reflects UMGC's  Students First ethos
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Required education & experience: A demonstrated track record of achieving results and getting things done;  an earned Master's degree from an accredited institution in business administration, higher education administration, communications, or a related field; at least seven (7) years of progressive experience in operations, communications, or executive leadership within higher education; proven ability to use analytics and reporting to drive decision-making and operational efficiency; success leading in higher education focused on serving nontraditional learners including online offerings; success managing strategic communications and brand alignment across multiple teams and audiences; as well as strong collaboration, facilitation, and leadership skills in matrixed environments. 

Preferred experience: Current or recently former Chief of Staff, senior advisor, or operations executive within higher education or the public sector; demonstrated success leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives and improving organizational performance through data and process discipline; expertise in organizational governance, portfolio management, and project execution frameworks; familiarity with enterprise communication systems, CRM platforms, and data visualization tools; exceptional written and verbal communication skills with an ability to synthesize complex ideas clearly for varied audiences.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

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