VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Grand Forks, North Dakota
From Great to Exceptional


The University of North Dakota (UND), founded in 1883 (six years before North Dakota became the nation’s 39th state), is seeking its first Vice President for University and Public Affairs.
UND is a major public research university and is among the largest institutions of higher education in the upper Midwest. It is committed to educating undergraduates and to contributing to the public well-being through scholarship, creative activities and the discovery, development, sponsorship and encouragement of basic and applied research. Known for its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, the university has developed special missions in the life sciences, fine arts, aerospace, engineering and energy. It has focused on creating world class academic programs critical to the needs of the residents of North Dakota, the nation and the world. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences has one of the top rural medicine programs in the country; the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, the first in the country, is a world leader in collegiate aviation education and the utilization of unmanned aerial systems; the National Resource Center on Native American Aging is the nation’s foremost authority on aging issues for Native Americans; and the entrepreneurship program is ranked in the top 15 nationally.


The university created the position of Vice President for University and Public Affairs to lead the effort to engage UND’s communities—internal and external—to tell its story and articulate its values more clearly and consistently. The Vice President will report to and work closely with President Kelley and will serve as a member of his executive team and cabinet. The Vice President will oversee the current Office of University Relations and the functions of external communications and governmental affairs. The Vice President will have broad responsibility to help define and enhance the brand position and reputation of the university and will oversee and coordinate messages to internal and external audiences. S/he will work closely with all cabinet members to ensure that UND is consistently, accurately and effectively represented to the full range of important federal, state, community and alumni constituencies; to parents, prospective students and others; and ensure that the important roles the university plays in the city, region, state, nation and world are well understood.


UND is seeking a creative, entrepreneurial individual committed to the values and mission of the university. S/he must be a team-player who will work collaboratively with the leadership and university community to develop comprehensive communications, marketing and governmental relations strategies and ensure that UND achieves its ambitious agenda.
The University of North Dakota has retained Gail Gregory and Jane Gruenebaum of the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to conduct the search. Inquiries, nominations and applications may be directed to the search firm at 4370@imsearch.com.


Any submission regarding this opening is subject to the North Dakota Open Records law. The applications of all candidates and nominees are a matter of public record under the statutes and policies of the State of North Dakota.


The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

E-mail us Here: 4370@imsearch.com