Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations - Office of the President

Salary: Commensuratewith experience
Benefits: The University offers generousbenefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employermatching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits foremployees and their eligible dependents. Learn more and explore benefits at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location: Office of the President
Position Status: Full-time
Hours: Varied
Position Number: 100118/10-1192
FLSA Status: Exempt

POSITIONSUMMARY:

Duquesne University seeks a dynamic,visionary, and community-driven leader to serve as Vice President of CivicEngagement and External Relations. This senior executive role is responsiblefor advancing the University's mission as a Catholic, Spiritan institutiondeeply committed to serving the city of Pittsburgh and the broader regionalcommunity. The VP will serve as a key external face of the University,cultivating meaningful partnerships, strengthening civic relationships, andpositioning Duquesne as an anchor institution and transformative force in theregion.

The Vice President of Civic Engagementand External Relations reports directly to the President of Duquesne Universityand serves as a member of the President's Cabinet.

DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES:

(This list is neither absolute nor restrictive,but indicates approximate duties and responsibilities which may be redefinedpursuant to operational needs)

Civic Leadershipand Community Engagement

Serve as the University's primary liaison toPittsburgh's civic, government, nonprofit, and community organizations.

Develop and execute a comprehensive civicengagement strategy aligned with Duquesne's Catholic, Spiritan mission andvalues.

Build and sustain authentic relationships withneighborhood stakeholders, community residents, and local organizations, withparticular focus on underserved communities.

Represent Duquesne University on civic boards,commissions, task forces, and coalitions.

Lead initiatives that deepen the University'srole as an anchor institution in the Pittsburgh region.

Oversees the Office of Community Engagement,the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the University'sGovernment Affairs Function.

External Relations and StrategicPartnerships

Cultivate and manage high-level partnershipswith corporations, government agencies, foundations, and civic organizations.

Identify and develop opportunities forcollaboration that advance both the University's mission and the broader publicgood.

Collaborate with Academic Affairs to createcommunity-based learning and research opportunities that connect faculty,staff, and students to regional needs.

Work in coordination with the Office ofUniversity Advancement to align philanthropic and partnership priorities.

Represent Duquesne at regional economicdevelopment tables and in conversations shaping the future of Pittsburgh.

Government and Public Affairs

Manage and strengthen relationships withelected officials and government entities at the local, state, and federallevels.

Monitor and respond to legislative andregulatory issues that may impact the University.

Advocate effectively for institutionalpriorities and higher education interests before government bodies.

Coordinate with internal stakeholders to developinstitutional positions on relevant public policy matters.

InstitutionalStrategy and Leadership

Serve as a senior strategic advisor to thePresident on matters related to community engagement, public affairs, andexternal relations.

Contribute to the development andimplementation of the University's long-term strategic plan.

Collaborate across Cabinet portfoliosincluding Academic Affairs, Student Life, Advancement, Marketing &Communications, and Finance & Operations.

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performingteam dedicated to civic and external engagement.

Develop and manage the department's budget,goals, and performance metrics.

Communicationsand Public Presence

Serve as a spokesperson and advocatefor the University in public forums, media, and community settings.

Partner with the Office of Marketing andCommunications to ensure consistent and compelling external messaging.

Elevate Duquesne's visibility and reputationas a community-centered institution of higher education.

Identify opportunities for thought leadership,public speaking, and engagement that reinforce the University's values andpriorities.

Completes otherduties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree field from an accredited educational institution.

Minimum of 10 years of progressivelyresponsible experience in civic engagement, public affairs, communityrelations, government relations, or a related field.

Demonstrated track record of building andsustaining impactful partnerships across sectors.

Deep knowledge of and relationships within thePittsburgh civic, philanthropic, government, and business communities.

Proven experience leading teams and managingcomplex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Exceptional communication,relationship-building, and public representation skills.

Strong alignment with the mission, values, andidentity of a Catholic, Spiritan university.

Experience in higher education administrationor working closely with academic institutions.

Familiarity with anchor institution strategiesand place-based community development.

Experience in government, public policy, orlegislative affairs.

Demonstrated commitment to equality,inclusion, and social justice in community work.

Preferredqualifications:

Advanced degree from an accredited educational institution.

Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combinationof experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilitiesrequired to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is notlimited to, the following:

Ability toestablish and maintain effective working relationships with the UniversityCommunity.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the Universityand to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. Themission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit ofservice, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and anecumenical campus community.

APPLICATIONINSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact informationfor three professional references.