Senior Manager - Office of the Chancellor

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS:

The Senior Manager at the Office of the Chancellor is responsible for overseeing the strategic operations, administration, and short and long-term objectives of the Office of the Chancellor. This role involves overseeing office operations, coordinating special projects, managing communications and cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring efficient flow of information within the office. The Manager works closely with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that the Chancellor's priorities and objectives are executed effectively, facilitating high-level initiatives, policy development, and communication efforts that align with Ajman University’s vision and institutional goals. The Manager serves as a key advisor to the Chancellor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Coordination:

• Serves as the primary advisor and strategic partner to the Chancellor, ensuring alignment between the Office of the Chancellor and the university's overarching goals and priorities.

• Provides strategic advice and recommendations to the Chancellor based on research, analysis and stakeholders’ input;

• Assists in the development and implementation of the Chancellor’s strategic initiatives;

• Manages and advises on processes that involves high level strategic planning and decision making.

• Works collaboratively with other senior management members to coordinate strategic initiatives across colleges and offices at AU.

Liaison Role:

• Acts as the principal point of contact for the Chancellor with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management, directors, deans, faculty members, students, and external partners.

• Ensures seamless communication, maintains effective and accurate communication channels and ensures accurate representation of the Chancellor’s vision and decisions.

• Reviews written communications addressed to the Chancellor and recommends best course of action involving letters, memos and public statements.

Executive Agenda Management:

• Oversees the Chancellor’s agenda, prioritizing appointments and engagements in line with institutional objectives;

• Prepares comprehensive briefs, reports, and documentation to ensure the Chancellor is well-informed for all meetings and events;

Decision Implementation:

• Monitors the implementation of the Chancellor’s decisions by coordinating with relevant parties, tracking progress, and ensuring timely completion of projects and initiatives.

Governance Support:

• Drafts and reviews critical documents, including strategic communications, policy documents, and reports for the Chancellor.

• Coordinates the preparation of materials for executive meetings and ensures follow-up on action items.

Operational Oversight:

• Manages the administrative operations of the Office, including maintaining confidential records, overseeing document workflows, and ensuring compliance with university policies and regulations.

Budget Management:

• Develops, monitors, and manages the Office’s budget and resources, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial protocols.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, enhancing the reputation and influence of the Office of the Chancellor.

• Ensures Chancellor’s public profile and visibility are well maintained

Leadership and Mentorship:

• Supervises and mentors colleagues from various units, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Ensures the team is equipped to meet the dynamic needs of the Office.

Event Coordination:

• Oversees the planning and execution of high-level events hosted by the Chancellor, ensuring excellence in logistics, guest management, and protocol adherence.

Crisis Management:

• Supports the Chancellor in managing sensitive or urgent issues by providing timely insights, preparing contingency plans, and coordinating swift resolutions.

• Develops and implements solutions to complex issues, acting as a trusted advisor to the Chancellor

Other Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chancellor, contributing to the strategic goals of the institution, including the following:

• Preparing reports, presentations, and documents for high-level meetings.

• Liaising between the Chancellor and other senior stakeholders (both internal and external).

• Managing sensitive and confidential information.

• Identifying areas of improvement within the office and proposing solutions.

• Ensuring alignment between the Chancellor’s priorities and office operations.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field. A Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is strongly preferred.

• A minimum of 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in executive-level administration and management, preferably within a higher education environment.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand and align office operations with institutional goals.

• Communication Excellence: Superior verbal and written communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams, manage high-performing individuals, and foster a collaborative environment.

• Project Management: Strong skills in planning, organizing, and executing complex projects with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.

• Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with advanced office and project management tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other enterprise systems.

• Discretion: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity and professionalism.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

SUPERVISION:

Reporting to: Chancellor