In recent history, the role of chief of staff in higher education has become more prominent (Hood, 2017). This study investigates the perceptions of university presidents and chiefs of staff of the chief of staff role in higher education, focusing on differences in perceptions and variance by institution type. It highlights the diverse pathways to the role, emphasizing the importance of advanced qualifications, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills. Chiefs of staff serve a broad range of responsibilities and are crucial in strategic decision-making and relationship management within institutions. The study notes differences in how presidents and chiefs of staff perceive the role's structural position and functional authority. It also notes variations in the role across different types of institutions, particularly in terms of supervisory responsibilities and role in senior leadership teams. The findings contribute to understanding the complexities and dynamics of the chief of staff role in higher education and how the position contributes to senior leadership team success. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]