CHIEF OF STAFF SUMMIT

Registration closes July 1 — register today!

The role of a Chief of Staff in higher education is uniquely complex, balancing institutional strategy, executive support, and campus-wide diplomacy. To support this vital work, we invite you to join a select group of peers this summer for a day and a half of high-level collaboration, practical case studies, and strategic networking.

Why This Summit?

Most conferences follow a "sit and get" model. This is not most conferences. We’ve designed this experience to be an intimate laboratory for ideas. With attendance capped at 50 participants, you won't be just another face in the crowd; you’ll be a vital contributor to a brain trust of leaders facing the same unique challenges you do every day.

In a survey of higher education Chiefs of Staff conducted in February 2026, the following themes rose to the top as key topics of interest. We’ll address these topics and others across multiple formats including keynote speeches, lightning rounds, small group discussions, and breakout sessions. 

• Cabinet Dynamics and Power Navigation

• Crisis Leadership and Decision-Making

• Strategic Planning and Institutional Change

• Career Pathways Beyond Chief of Staff

• Managing Up and Leading Without Formal Authority

• Confidential Peer Problem-Solving

• Board Relations and Governance

• Managing Burnout and Sustainability

Who Should Attend?

To ensure the sessions remain highly relevant and focused on the specific dynamics of executive leadership, participation is strictly limited to:

• Individuals currently holding the Chief of Staff title or equivalent.

• Those who report directly to a President or Chancellor at a higher education institution.

A Partnership for Professional Growth

We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with Carnegie as our exclusive summit sponsor. Carnegie is deeply committed to the advancement of higher education leadership, specifically supporting the Chiefs of Staff who navigate the industry's most urgent and complex challenges.

Because of their generous support, the summit registration fee is reduced to $200 for each attendees, covering all conference programming and meals throughout.

Carnegie’s expertise in AI-enabled technology and data-driven strategy helps institutions grow enrollment and build lasting student relationships. By solving these critical connection challenges, they empower leaders to stay focused on what matters most: changing students’ lives for good. We are grateful for Carnegie’s investment in this community and their belief that when student success is prioritized, higher education—and the world—wins.

Note: Attendees are responsible for their own lodging and travel expenses.