Kansas State University

President Myers invites applications for interim chief of staff and director of community relations

Submitted by Office of the President

President Richard Myers announces a search for the interim chief of staff and director of community relations, or COS/DCR. This will be an internal search open to current and qualified employees of Kansas State University. The anticipated start date is Dec. 15.

Initially, the interim COS/DCR will report to Linda Cook, current COS/DCR, and begin transitioning into that leadership position while also assisting with responsibilities related to transition for the next university president. Effective Feb. 1, 2022, when Cook retires, the interim COS/DCR will assume all responsibilities of the interim COS/DCR and will report to the president of the university and serve on the president's cabinet and president's Advisory Council. A national search will be conducted later for the permanent COS/DCR, with more details on that search to be announced in the future.

The interim chief of staff and director of community relations is a senior leader who directs and oversees high-level initiatives and programs initiated by the president of the university; supervises units reporting up to the President's Office; coordinates administrative processes and budgets for the president's office; and leads and coordinates community relations initiatives on behalf of the university.

In addition, the COS/DCR manages and supports the President's communications initiatives, chairs the university's Crisis Management Team, and chairs the university's prestigious Landon Lecture series. This position supervises four positions and oversees administrative processes to ensure the president's office and reporting units are operating effectively and efficiently. In addition, the COS/DCR stays abreast of community issues and opportunities relative to the university's interest and develops strategies and plans to address issues and successfully execute opportunities.

Qualified candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 10 years of leadership experience. A master's degree is preferred. The position is only open to current K-State employees.

To apply and learn more about this position, visit the K-State Careers page and click on the "Internal" button and then click on the "Interim Chief of Staff and Director of Community Relations" link. All applications must be submitted online via the application tracking system for review; please do not email applications. In your application materials, please include the following:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experience as it relates to the listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

The search committee will accept applications through Nov. 29. Search committee members include President Richard Myers, Provost and Executive Vice President Chuck Taber, Vice President for Human Capital Services Jay Stephens, General Counsel Shari Crittendon, and Chief of Staff and Director of Community Relations Linda Cook.

Application for the position of or appointment as interim COS/DCR will not preclude an individual from consideration for the permanent position. If you have questions about the search, please contact Kellie Wilson, senior strategic partner of Talent Acquisition in Human Capital Services, at kelliewilson@k-state.edu.