Vice President for University Relations

Cornell University invites nominations and applications for the position of Vice President for University Relations.

Introduction to the Vice President for University Relations

Reporting to the President, the Vice President will be ultimately responsible for enhancing and protecting the reputation of Cornell University through the engagement of its vast and diverse constituencies. The Vice President is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic communications agenda for the institution and advancing and protecting the reputation of the Cornell, both proactively and reactively. The Vice President will be a transformational leader and a key architect of Cornell's unique public voice and position. This includes serving as the University's spokesperson and overseeing, coordinating, and integrating internal and external communications targeting the University's diverse constituencies across all campuses.

By promoting the strengths and accomplishments of Cornell's undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools to national and international audiences, including local, state, and federal government, as well as and community policymakers and stakeholders, the Vice President plays a critical role in advancing the University and cementing Cornell's reputation as one of the world's foremost teaching and research institutions.

The Vice President will provide the leadership necessary to plan and implement an effective University Relations strategy; to ensure the full utilization of both traditional and digital communications platforms; and to ensure the consistent, accurate, and effective representation of Cornell to the full range of important constituencies, including government. The Vice President will advise the President on how best to develop, refine, and disseminate messages about the University's key initiatives and lead implementation. The Vice President also will bring not only an exceptional and diverse set of experiences, but a seasoned, mature, and expertly developed point of view, as well as the energy, drive, and confidence to operate within a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment.

Position Description, Nominations, and Applications

Cornell University has retained the services of Dr. Josh Ward, Senior Client Partner at the executive search firm Korn Ferry, to conduct the search. To request a copy of the full-length position description, to submit nominations, or to send application materials, please contact Dr. Ward at the e-mail address below. Applicants should submit an up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae, as well as a brief (2-4 pages) letter of interest describing why you are interested in the role of Vice President for University Relations at Cornell, why you would be successful based on your professional experience, and why now is a good time for you to consider this opportunity.

For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by March 21, 2025. The two documents (separate PDFs) should be sent directly to Josh.Ward@KornFerry.com.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email atequity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.