Deputy Chief of Staff to the Rector

Job Description

The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome is seeking to appoint a Deputy Chief of Staff to the Rector. The position requires a commitment of at least two years and relocation to Rome, Italy.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Rector supports the work of the Rector Magnificus and the Chief of Staff in the effective coordination of the Rectorate's priorities, projects, and institutional responsibilities. The role is designed to strengthen the operational and organizational capacity of the Rector's office, ensuring that strategic initiatives, governance processes, and day-to-day coordination are carried out with precision, continuity, and discretion.

Working in close collaboration with the Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff plays a key role in translating strategic priorities into concrete actions, tracking follow-through across academic and administrative units, and supporting the smooth functioning of the Rectorate. The position requires a high level of judgment, organizational skill, and institutional awareness, as well as the ability to work across offices in a complex international academic environment.

This role is well suited to a highly organized, intellectually engaged, and mission-driven professional who wishes to contribute directly to the leadership and governance of a pontifical university, in service of the Catholic intellectual tradition and the University's academic mission.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Support to the Rectorate
- Support the in the coordination of the Rector's priorities, initiatives, and daily workflow.
- Assist in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, timelines, and follow-up across academic and administrative units.
- Help ensure continuity and coherence in the work of the Rectorate, particularly across overlapping projects and responsibilities.
Project and Initiative Coordination
- Track, support, and help coordinate key institutional projects and initiatives under the Rector's authority, from planning through implementation.
- Assist in the organization and implementation of University events and academic conferences under the purview of the Rector.

Governance and Institutional Processes
- Assist in the preparation, coordination, and follow-up of governance meetings and processes (e.g. Rector's Council, Academic Senate, Board-related matters).
- Help prepare briefing materials, agendas, summaries, and background documentation.
- Track decisions and ensure appropriate communication and implementation across relevant offices.

Communication and Documentation
- Support the drafting, review, and coordination of official correspondence, internal communications, reports, and briefing notes.
- Assist in preparing materials for meetings, visits, and institutional engagements involving the Rector.
- Help maintain clear and organized records related to Rectorate initiatives and decisions.

Institutional Liaison and Representation
- Participate in meetings on behalf of the Rectorate when delegated, or accompany the Rector or Chief of Staff as needed.
- Facilitate communication between the Rectorate and internal or external stakeholders.
- Support relationship management with partner institutions, benefactors, and other key interlocutors.

Operational Support
- Help ensure that the Rector is appropriately informed of relevant developments and issues requiring attention.
- Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Contribute to the smooth, reliable functioning of the Rector's office in a fast-paced and high-trust environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:
- Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent attention to detail, paired with the capacity to understand broader institutional and strategic contexts.
- Sound judgment, discretion, and a high degree of professionalism in handling confidential or sensitive matters.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across academic and administrative units in an international university setting.
- Comfort working in a role that requires flexibility, initiative, and responsiveness to evolving priorities.
- Fluency in English required; strong proficiency in Italian highly desirable (or a demonstrated willingness to develop it).
- Familiarity with, or strong interest in, the mission and governance of Catholic organizations and/or educational institutions.
- The ideal candidate is a reliable, intellectually engaged, and mission-driven professional who is comfortable working close to senior leadership and contributing to the effective governance of the University.

This position is in Rome, Italy. Candidates need to reside in the area or be willing to relocate.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Initial commitment of two years, renewable. As an additional benefit, the position allows the Coordinator to take a limited number of courses free of charge at the Angelicum each academic year.

About the Employer

The Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, better known as the Angelicum, is an international university run by the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), located in the historic center of Rome. The University is dedicated to teaching and research in philosophy, theology, canon law, the social sciences, and related disciplines, and serves a global academic community of students and scholars from over 100 countries. Approximately 1,000 students - priests, seminarians, religious men and women, and laypeople - are enrolled each year.
Among its most notable alumni are Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Leo XIV.