Item 2.E-November 9, 2012
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable):
Position #(s):
Current Title: (JCC: )
Current Range:
Department: President’s Office
College/Division: President’s Office
Account #(s): 1101-101-0001
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
7
(X) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title: Special Assistant to the President, External Affairs
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Marc Johnson
President, UNR
__________________
Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
67316 Range:
7
Pos #(s): 10798
JCC:
EEO: 1D
Eff: 11/1/2012
Approved Title: Special Assistant to the President, External Affairs
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Special Assistant to the President, Executive Affairs
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Special Assistant to the President, External Affairs, is responsible for enhancing and developing
the University of Nevada, Reno’s position as an integral component of the state of Nevada’s economic
development efforts. The incumbent develops strategic relationships which match the expertise of
faculty with appropriate individuals in the economic development community to promote growth within
the state. The incumbent represents the President and the University on boards and in activities which
promote the University as a resource for economic development and as a community-based
University.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
70% Economic Work Force Development
 Provide strategic counsel to the President on economic and work force development,
community relations, and governmental affairs
 Engage appropriate University leaders with community, regional and state-wide leaders to
establish economic and work force development systems, networks and programs
 Collaborate with economic development agencies throughout the state to incorporate
university assets in economic development solutions
 Lead the Economic Development and Business Relations Task Force of the University
 Represent the University on boards of directors of economic development organizations in
Nevada, e.g., EDAWN, ReCharge, and others
 Participate on the Knowledge Fund proposal team
30% External Affairs Strategy and Programs
 Lead the creation of a cohesive and innovative external affairs/outreach strategy to strengthen
the University’s relationship with constituents and stakeholders
 Develop relationships with various constituents to advance the mission of the University which
includes state and local elected officials, economic development representatives, businesses,
non-profits and community agencies
 Develop formal and informal partnerships which lead to funded activities for learning,
innovation and service
 Promote the University as a community-based university
 Represent the University in productive efforts to transform the Reno-Sparks community into a
University-based community
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
The position has autonomy to initiate contacts with the economic development community on behalf
of the President and the University. The Special Assistant matches and coordinates University
resources with various economic development agencies. In conjunction with Deans and Vice
Presidents, the Special Assistant formulates agreements with economic development agencies and
community based organizations which foster mutually beneficial outcomes.
Position Description – Special Assistant to the President, Executive Affairs
Page 3
Impact:
The position has high visibility and represents the President and the University with community
leaders, statewide elected officials, community based organizations and other constituents. Positive
and productive relationships with constituents are critical to the University’s success. The Special
Assistant must foster constructive associations for the University at the local, regional and state wide
levels. Poor performance by the incumbent can damage the reputation of the University and result in
constituents withdrawing financial or political support.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Higher education organizational structures, policies, and operations
 Economic development and community based organizations
 Higher education working environment to include organizational structures, operations and
policies
 Strategic planning
 Local, state and national business and political environment
Skills:




Work, project, and/or program collaboration and coordination with others
Analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Organizational and time management (projects, meetings, etc.)
Verbal, written and interpersonal communication
Ability to:
 Influence, persuade and achieve consensus
 Communicate with clients, community leaders and stakeholders to establish clear
expectations, plans and goals
 Establish and maintain positive professional relationships
 Assess complex situations and move issues to resolution
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
University Administrators,
Faculty
Development and Alumni
Relations
Director, Government Relations
Executive Director, Media
Relations
Reason for Contact
To communicate projects, programs and events. To gain support
for external programs and enlist resources
To coordinate and cultivate relationships with donors and alumni
To establish collaborative strategies in addressing political and
legislative issues
To coordinate and strategize contacts with the media
Position Description – Special Assistant to the President, Executive Affairs
External
Economic Development
Agencies, community based
organizations
Elected Officials
Regents
Business Community
Page 4
Reason for Contact
To foster partnerships with the University
To enlist support for University initiatives
To inform and involve in collaborative efforts of business,
government and community agencies
To cultivate mutually beneficial relationships
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Master’s Degree and six years, or a Doctorate and four years, of experience in
economic development, legislative process, government, or business outreach
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None