Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations – Office of the President
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: The University offers generous benefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employer matching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits for employees 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
POSITION SUMMARY:
Duquesne University seeks a dynamic, visionary, and community-driven leader to serve as Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations. This senior executive role is responsible for advancing the University's mission as a Catholic, Spiritan institution deeply committed to serving the city of Pittsburgh and the broader regional community. The VP will serve as a key external face of the University, cultivating meaningful partnerships, strengthening civic relationships, and positioning Duquesne as an anchor institution and transformative force in the region.
The Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations reports directly to the President of Duquesne University and serves as a member of the President's Cabinet.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(This list is neither absolute nor restrictive, but indicates approximate duties and responsibilities which may be redefined pursuant to operational needs)
Civic Leadership and Community Engagement
Serve as the University's primary liaison to Pittsburgh's civic, government, nonprofit, and community organizations.
Develop and execute a comprehensive civic engagement strategy aligned with Duquesne's Catholic, Spiritan mission and values.
Build and sustain authentic relationships with neighborhood stakeholders, community residents, and local organizations, with particular focus on underserved communities.
Represent Duquesne University on civic boards, commissions, task forces, and coalitions.
Lead initiatives that deepen the University's role as an anchor institution in the Pittsburgh region.
Oversees the Office of Community Engagement, the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and the University’s Government Affairs Function.
External Relations and Strategic Partnerships
Cultivate and manage high-level partnerships with corporations, government agencies, foundations, and civic organizations.
Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration that advance both the University's mission and the broader public good.
Collaborate with Academic Affairs to create community-based learning and research opportunities that connect faculty, staff, and students to regional needs.
Work in coordination with the Office of University Advancement to align philanthropic and partnership priorities.
Represent Duquesne at regional economic development tables and in conversations shaping the future of Pittsburgh.
Government and Public Affairs
Manage and strengthen relationships with elected officials and government entities at the local, state, and federal levels.
Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory issues that may impact the University.
Advocate effectively for institutional priorities and higher education interests before government bodies.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders to develop institutional positions on relevant public policy matters.
Institutional Strategy and Leadership
Serve as a senior strategic advisor to the President on matters related to community engagement, public affairs, and external relations.
Contribute to the development and implementation of the University's long-term strategic plan.
Collaborate across Cabinet portfolios including Academic Affairs, Student Life, Advancement, Marketing & Communications, and Finance & Operations.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team dedicated to civic and external engagement.
Develop and manage the department's budget, goals, and performance metrics.
Communications and Public Presence
Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the University in public forums, media, and community settings.
Partner with the Office of Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent and compelling external messaging.
Elevate Duquesne's visibility and reputation as a community-centered institution of higher education.
Identify opportunities for thought leadership, public speaking, and engagement that reinforce the University's values and priorities.
Completes other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree field from an accredited educational institution.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in civic engagement, public affairs, community relations, government relations, or a related field.
Demonstrated track record of building and sustaining impactful partnerships across sectors.
Deep knowledge of and relationships within the Pittsburgh civic, philanthropic, government, and business communities.
Proven experience leading teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and public representation skills.
Strong alignment with the mission, values, and identity of a Catholic, Spiritan university.
Experience in higher education administration or working closely with academic institutions.
Familiarity with anchor institution strategies and place-based community development.
Experience in government, public policy, or legislative affairs.
Demonstrated commitment to equality, inclusion, and social justice in community work.
Preferred qualifications:
Advanced degree from an accredited educational institution.
Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.
Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.
