The University of Southern Maine offers academic programs, national recognition, exciting ways to take advantage of Northern New England, and a commitment to our service promise – Student Focused Every Day.  Our community is a tight knit group of remarkable individuals interested in intellectual inquiry and making a difference in the world. 

We are seeking a well-organized professional comfortable with multi-tasking/shifting priorities; a strategic thinker who understands the complexity of the role of a university president; has excellent communication skills; and has exceptional interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

The Deputy Chief of Staff provides key administrative functions and logistical support for the Office of the President.  They are a self-directed team player who takes initiative, anticipates needs, ensures consistent high-quality products and materials, and adapts to different situations. Specifically, this includes scheduling for the President and maintaining and coordinating the calendar, daily preparation of meeting materials for the President’s meetings, and action items/projects (for self and others) as well as a full range of operational and logistical duties. This professional works concurrently in multiple areas of responsibility, initiatives, and issues while assisting the President with identifying and meeting often unforeseen requests and deadlines in the context of a dynamic schedule.

In a highly visible role, the Deputy Chief of Staff represents the Office of the President, to a wide variety of high-level contacts internal and external to the University including the Chancellor’s Office, University of Maine System senior leaders, presidents, USM Cabinet, Board of Visitors members, as well as community, government, academic, professional society, and business leaders across Maine, regionally, nationally, and internationally.  As such, the professionalism with which they perform their duties impacts the impression that faculty, staff, students, and visitors have upon this highly visible position.

It is an exciting time to join the University of Southern Maine.  Jacqueline Edmondson has been named our 14^th President, our institutional initiatives are underway and we are undertaking the largest building project in our history, the nearly $100 million Private Public Partnership construction of a career and student center and dormitory on our Portland campus.

For a full job description to learn more about the essential duties and responsibilities click here. 

This is a full-time position with frequent work beyond regular hours (to include evenings and weekends).  The annual compensation range for this position is $63,000 to $68,000 commensurate with experience.  The primary office is located on our Portland Campus. 

The University of Southern Maine is committed to building a culturally diverse team of leaders, faculty, and staff.  We welcome applicants who are multilingual. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

We live our USM Service Promise: Student Focused Every Day.  We are looking for a team member who understands that promise and supports our core values: Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity and Responsiveness.   

The University of Maine System provides a highly competitive benefits package that includes: holidays, vacation and sick time; health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employee and eligible dependents; a 403(b) retirement plan; and more.  Click on our Benefits Information Summary to learn more. 

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in experience and training.
• Three or more years of relevant and progressively responsible administrative work experience in a college or university, or similarly complex public or private organization.
• Demonstrated record of reliability, discretion, and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information
• Organizational and operational/project management acumen.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
• Advanced skills in typical office technology and software programs and in presentation development.
• Demonstrated abilities to perform complex tasks, prioritize multiple projects, and analyze, summarize, and effectively present data.
• Strong demonstrated administrative, analytical, computer, critical thinking, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Competencies in the following:
  • Recognition of the complexity of the role of a university president
  • Ability to prioritize in the dynamic context of a president’s office
  • Ability to understand the internal and external landscape and to recognize and adjust based on sensitivities and context
  • Ability to identify opportunities and potential roadblocks and issues
  • Determination, persistence, and flexibility
  • Skill in compromise and consensus building in order to advance the needs of the office
  • Ability to problem solve

Employees in the University of Maine System are required to comply with UMS COVID protocols which currently include, but are limited to, being vaccinated, obtaining a qualified vaccination exemption, and/or participating in regular COVID testing.

Please visit Together for Maine for more information on USM's successful contribution to our Covid-19 public health campaign. 

To apply please click on "APPLY FOR POSITION" at the bottom of this page.

You will create an applicant profile and complete an application and upload a cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae.  Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.  As the Deputy Chief of Staff this position will support our institutional vision of equity and inclusivity. Applicants are asked to summarize in their cover letter or as a separate statement their value of diversity, equity, inclusivity & accessibility and how they have demonstrated that value in their work and/or volunteerism.    

We will examine candidate packages on an ongoing basis as they are submitted.

All required materials must be submitted by August 18, 2022.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Equal Opportunity Office, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).