Secretary of the Board of Trustees

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a dynamic, exceptionally relational, experienced leader as its next Secretary of the Board of Trustees (Secretary). Reporting to the Chancellor, the Secretary supports the work of the Board of Trustees (Board), manages the Office of the Board of Trustees, and works closely with the Board Chair, and senior administration and committee chairs of the Board to provide counsel and guidance on strategy, policy, and process.

This is a strategic role which will require highly attuned communication skills, excellent organizational skills, the ability to navigate in a complex environment, and the facility to support a large, multifaceted, and committed board in service to the University. The ideal candidate will understand and work within the tenets of shared governance, have experience in a public board setting, and ascribe fully to the mission, vision, and values of the University of Pittsburgh. Collegial and business minded, they will move seamlessly among university leadership and the Board. An advanced degree is required.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Board oversees the University's affairs and promotes its charitable, scientific, and educational purposes. Responsibilities include the approval of the University mission; the recruitment, appointment, and evaluation of the Chancellor; and stewardship of university resources and assets. The Board consists of 36 voting members, including 12 who are appointed by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as non-voting ex officio, special, and emeritus trustees.

As one of the largest and oldest institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh is a state-related public institution and a member of the Association of American Universities. With an enrollment of over 29,000 students on the Pittsburgh campus, Pitt is internationally respected as a center for learning and research. Since 1787, Pitt has never stopped pushing the edge of what’s possible. From research achievements to the quality of its academic programs, the University of Pittsburgh ranks among the best in higher education.

With four regional campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown and Titusville, Pitt offers a vast array of opportunities and more than 650 degree and certificate programs. Nearly 14,000 faculty, research associates and postdoctoral associates, and staff members are employed on the Pittsburgh campus, and another 700 work at the University’s four regional campuses. Pitt offers generous benefits and values work-life balance.

Nominations and Applications

A complete position profile with instructions for application may be found at https://www.agbsearch.com/active-searches.

Nominations and applications are welcome. To assure full consideration, application materials should be received by January 19, 2024. The Search Committee will begin a review of applications in mid-January and continue its work until an appointment is made.

Candidates should provide:

• Letter of interest based on the Leadership Profile
• Statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Current curriculum vitae, and,
• Names and email addresses of five references (please specify your professional relationship with each).

All candidate names will remain confidential until finalists are identified during the latter stages of the search.

Please click here [bit.ly/3s8T4YI] to apply for the position. Should you have any questions or encounter any difficulties with the application process, please contact UPBoardSecretary@agbsearch.com.

Should prospective nominators or potential candidates have questions or wish to seek additional information, they are encouraged to email the consultants below to arrange time for a confidential conversation prior to submitting materials. 

Rod McDavis, Managing Principal, Rod.mcdavis@agbsearch.com, (804) 514-1982

Monica Burton, Principal, monica.burton@agbsearch.com, (917) 825-2961

Margaret “Peggy” Plympton, Principal, margaret.plympton@agbsearch.com, (484) 554-4543

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

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