CAREER CENTER

The Associate Vice President of External Affairs will be responsible for enhancing Lehigh University’s reputation through implementing strategies to increase the visibility of Lehigh’s distinctive attributes and value as a residential research University. The successful candidate will lead media relations, community relations and enhance reputation management as it relates to crisis in alignment with the mission and strategic objectives of Lehigh’s University Communications and Public Affairs Office. The Associate Vice President of External Affairs reports to the Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs (UCPA) and will serve as a member of the leadership team. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

The Associate Vice President of External Affairs will collaborate with UCPA leadership and broad University partners to achieve the following goals:

*Develop a comprehensive reputation leadership strategy to amplify Lehigh’s distinctive offering, value proposition and brand
*Build community engagement in Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley via a sustained community outreach program
*Develop strategic crisis counsel and risk mitigation strategies for external audiences to elevate and preserve the University’s reputation
*Strengthen and amplify proactive messaging opportunities to showcase Lehigh’s areas of distinction
*Collaborate with Government Relations on federal and state engagement strategies to drive strong, long-term support for Lehigh’s goals on Capitol Hill and in Harrisburg; enable continued coalition building and relationship-building with strategic partners to advocate for strong higher ed policies and research opportunities
*Create compelling strategies for engaging a variety of key external audiences, including:
-Top-tier international, national and local media
-Institutional partners and trade associations
-Bethlehem city administrators and community leaders
-Peer University leadership and academia
-Prospective students and parents
-Alumni/potential donors

Position Number:  S97670

Grade: 14-40; $169,370 - $206,070

This is an approximate range and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Special Considerations

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Kelly Woodbridge, Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist at kmp415@lehigh.edu

The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor 

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree Communications, Marketing, a related degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience

15+ years of experience leading external affairs strategies and programs

Demonstrated leadership capabilities

Ability to think strategically and take decisive action

Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson

Experience consulting with the CEO and executive leadership

Understanding of the current media environment

Demonstrated experience leading community engagement programs

Understanding of federal and state government relations strategy

Preference for experience working within higher education

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position

All Lehigh faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot six months after their second vaccine; unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption from the requirement.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

About Lehigh University

Lehigh is a premier residential research university, ranked in the top tier of national research universities each year. We are a coeducational, nondenominational, private university that offers a distinct academic environment of undergraduate and graduate students from across the globe.

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