Chief of Staff, Vanderbilt Enterprises

 Position Summary: 

Vanderbilt Enterprises seeks a bold, business-minded Chief of Staff to serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, driving forward high-impact initiatives, incubating new ventures, and ensuring disciplined execution. This role combines strategic counsel, cross-functional leadership, and CEO representation with the ability to turn ideas into action across hospitality, sports, entertainment, and lifelong learning. The Chief of Staff will help shape a first-of-its-kind collegiate enterprise, redefining how a university blends education, hospitality, sports, and entertainment into a sustainable business model. 

About the Work Unit: 

Vanderbilt Enterprises is a strategic initiative launched to unlock the full potential of Vanderbilt University's assets—facilities, services, and partnerships—to generate sustainable revenue and support long-term institutional priorities. Led by CEO Markus Schreyer, the venture draws inspiration from global best practices in hospitality, sports, and entertainment, reimagined for the collegiate landscape. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Key functions include: 

•    Incubate and scale new revenue streams, pilots, and partnerships. 

•    Translate vision into execution by aligning teams, setting milestones, and ensuring accountability. 

•    Act as integrator between university leadership, corporate partners, and community stakeholders. 

•    Champion hospitality-first culture in all interactions, reinforcing Vanderbilt's brand promise. 

•    Act as a thought partner to the CEO, providing strategic counsel on key decisions, priorities, and business opportunities. 

•    Represent the CEO in high-level meetings and communications with internal and external stakeholders. 

•    Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives that support Vanderbilt Enterprises' growth, including venue monetization, event strategy, and partnership development. 

•    Drive alignment across teams and ensure timely execution of strategic goals. 

•    Oversee strategic projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with institutional priorities. 

•    Monitor KPIs and provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement. 

•    Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration across Vanderbilt Enterprises. 

•    Mentor and develop staff, ensuring teams have the capabilities to execute complex initiatives. 
 

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position will supervise the Project Manager, Vanderbilt Enterprises, and collaborates closely with external consultants and internal teams. 

Education and Certifications 

• A bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, or related field; MBA or advanced degree 

preferred.

Experience and Skills: 

• 15+ years of experience in strategic roles such as consulting, business operations, or enterprise 

leadership.

• Experience in venture building, growth strategy, or innovation leadership. 

• Familiarity with CRM, data-driven marketing, and loyalty programs. 

• Proven track record of managing complex, high-impact projects and driving measurable results. 

• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills; experience with P&L oversight and performance metrics. 

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence and lead across all levels. 

• High emotional intelligence and discretion; comfortable navigating sensitive, high-stakes 

environments.

• Experience in hospitality, entertainment, sports, or higher education sectors is a plus. 

• Advanced proficiency with Apple Mac environment and key productivity tools and project 

management platforms including Keynote, Excel, Miro, Airtable or similar.