Chief of Staff | Director of Administration

Job Summary

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a 281-acre museum of trees teaching the world about plants. With one of the world's most biodiverse collections of temperate woody plants, combined with world-class scientific resources, and a commitment to diverse programming, the Arnold Arboretum has been a leader in horticulture since its founding in 1872. As part of the Boston Parks system, it is free and open to all daily.

Position Overview

The Chief of Staff/ Director of Administration is a pivotal member of the Faculty Director’s senior management team, entrusted with direct oversight of the administration of the Finance, Facilities and Project Management, Information Technology, and Communications functions. This role manages administrative operations within the Arnold Arboretum by organizing workflow, ensuring effective execution of staff goals, and collaborating across the community, ensuring the Faculty Director is briefed. The Chief of Staff/ Director of Administration will oversee day-to-day functions and implement the Faculty Director’s vision. They will cultivate relationships, maintain credibility with diverse constituencies, and inspire others across the organization.

The Chief of Staff/ Director of Administration will serve as a thought partner, working closely with the Faculty Director to develop and communicate the vision for the institution and implement strategic decisions. The Chief of Staff/Director of Administration will play a leading role in public affairs on behalf of the institution and the Faculty Director. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the Arboretum’s success by providing essential support to the Faculty Director and the senior leadership team while fostering a positive, professional, and collaborative working environment.

Position Description

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Assist the Faculty Director in developing and advancing strategic priorities across the institution. The Chief of Staff/ Director of Administration will be responsible for ensuring that the Faculty Director’s priorities are executed.
• Facilitate, collaborate, and monitor tasks related to the overall functioning of the Arnold Arboretum and keep the Faculty Director well informed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Foster collaboration and communication across departments, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of institutional priorities.
• Serve as a point of contact and resource for staff, facilitating cross-functional initiatives and problem-solving.
• Collaborate with HR on organizational development, talent management, and employee engagement initiatives.

Project Management and Operational Oversight:

• Oversee daily operations of the Faculty Directors’ office, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Organize workflow, communications, scheduling, and agendas.
• Convene meetings, supervise preparation of briefing materials, and ensure follow-up on issues.

Team Leadership:

• Ensure organizational alignment and foster transparency, integrity, and service.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to propose new systems and processes to streamline and improve operations.
• Monitor performance metrics and outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions.

Strategic Communication and Public Affairs:

• Respond to and meet with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders including public officials in the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and members of Harvard University leadership.
• Coordinate responses, solutions, and follow-up with the Faculty Director and draft communications to implement public affairs strategies.
• Research issues of importance and sensitivity, producing briefing materials on significant matters that will impact the Arnold Arboretum.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in a strategic leadership or executive-level role, preferably in a non-profit or higher education setting.

Minimum of seven years of supervisory experience with a proven record of accomplishment in coaching direct reports for high performance, professional development, and maximum cross-functional effectiveness.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Experience managing professional direct reports preferred.
• Absolute discretion and ability to handle strictly confidential information.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of diplomacy and problem-solving ability.
• Proven success in developing collaborative relationships.
• Successful track record of providing advice and counsel to senior leaders.
• Leadership, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Passion for the mission and values of the Arnold Arboretum.

Additional Information

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clearly, concisely and for different audiences required, including superlative command of grammar, diction, and syntax. Please submit a cover letter and two writing samples of your choice with your resume.

This position requires four days a week on-site in Boston/ Roslindale.

We welcome interested applicants to view our website at: Harvard Arboretum. Read about our land acknowledgment at Early Indigenous Land Use and our statement on the legacy of slavery: Arnold Arboretum and the Legacy of Slavery.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.