Job Description

Vice President for External Affairs

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Rose Hill

Fordham University

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City.  Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission for employees and their dependents 
• A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan.
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 2 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

Hybrid Policy:        

Please review the Hybrid Policy here.

https://www.fordham.edu/human-resources/policies-guides-and-agreements/hybridremote-work-policy-for-administrators/

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Vice President/CFO, the Vice President for External Affairs is a member of the University’s senior leadership team, responsible for enhancing the University’s public impact and strengthening its relationships with external stakeholders.

The Vice President will drive initiatives that position the University as a catalyst for positive community impact, aligning its mission with community needs and amplifying its influence in public policy and civic engagement.

The role is crucial in fostering academic excellence, social responsibility, and meaningful partnerships with local, regional, national, and global stakeholders, while advancing the University’s commitment to social justice and service to marginalized communities.

Essential Functions         

• Develops and implements comprehensive strategies for government relations, community engagement, and public impact initiatives that align with the University’s mission and strategic goals.
• Leads and oversees community engagement programs, including service-learning, volunteering opportunities, and experiential education initiatives, to enhance student learning and connection to mission, while driving meaningful social impact.
• Advises the President, Senior Vice President/CFO, and senior leadership on policy issues, community needs, and strategic opportunities to enhance the institution’s public impact and reputation, and global outreach.
• Cultivates and manages strategic partnerships with local, state, and federal government entities; community organizations; businesses, and other institutions—particularly those with ties to Fordham’s communities—to advance the University’s interests and influence in public affairs.
• Represents the University in public forums, legislative hearings, and community events, and in collaboration with the Vice President of University Marketing and Communications, serves as a key spokesperson on matters related to public policy, community relations, and civic engagement.
• Collaborates with academic leadership to integrate community-engaged learning and research into curriculum and faculty initiatives, fostering a culture of public service and social responsibility.
• Directs the development and management of budgets for government relations, and community engagement functions, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and securing external funding through government grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support.
• Establishes metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of the University’s public engagement initiatives including grants, to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate value to stakeholders.
• In partnership with the Provost, enhances the University’s global presence through outreach programs, international partnerships, and cross-cultural exchange programs that align with the University’s mission.
• Leads efforts to secure external funding through government and corporate grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support to expand public engagement initiatives and support other core mission activities of the University.

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities   

Provides strategic leadership and supervises others who supervise. Responsible for hiring, training, developing, managing performance, administering corrective action, makes compensation decisions and for managing strategic views at a high level.

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience         

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Higher Education Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, government relations, community engagement, public affairs, or closely related fields.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working directly or serving on boards of community organizations or government agencies.
• Proven track record of successful leadership in developing and implementing public impact initiatives and managing external relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in navigating complex political environments, influencing public policy, and advocating for legislative priorities
• Demonstrated experience in community outreach, partnership development, and stakeholder management.
• Proven success in securing external funding and managing large-scale community engagement initiatives.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills       

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to set a clear vision and inspire diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Outstanding communication and public speaking abilities, adept at articulating complex ideas to varied audiences and representing the university effectively in public settings.
• Understanding of the higher education landscape, including current trends, challenges, and opportunities in public engagement, community relations, and social justice initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of government processes, policy-making, and legislative affairs at local, state, and federal levels.
• Proven ability in community outreach, partnership building, and collaborative project management across diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience in budget management, grant writing, resource development, and securing external funding.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across academic and administrative units to align public impact strategies with broader institutional goals.
• Highly developed diplomacy and cultural competence, adept at managing difficult or complex relationships, diverse global perspectives, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline.

Minimum Starting Salary: $310,000

Maximum Starting Salary: $400,000

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

START DATE: ASAP

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/8419

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools.  It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories

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