What We Do

Activating and Championing Pitt's Impact

External Relations transforms Pitt’s outward-facing work into a single-focused force: generating the relationships and resources that propel Pitt forward and telling the Pitt story proudly so the world sees why Pitt matters and believes in what’s possible.

By design, our Centers of Excellence work together to unlock and enable

Panoramic Perspective

Strategically structured to span both internal and external audiences, External Relations provides a  near-360-degree view of varied perspectives to help guide you to impactful action.

Interconnected Relationships

External Relations sees and understands how people’s many connections to Pitt overlap and interact. We help you manage these relationships holistically so that people are seen as valued and vital to the University’s mission.

A Unified Voice

External Relations is the University’s voice. We lead storytelling that differentiates and unifies Pitt’s message and helps you demonstrate why your work matters to the world.

One Clear Path to Pitt

External Relations creates a single path to Pitt that makes it easy for external audiences to find information, understand priorities, get involved, and invest in what matters most—no guessing where to start.

News from Pittwire

Pittwire is our flagship news source and the University of Pittsburgh's official source for the inspiring and important stories about Pitt, aimed at a broad public audience.

Our Highlighted Events

Oct. 19-21, 2025
Forging the Future: The Intersection of Health, AI and Tech

Oct. 23-26, 2025
Pitt Homecoming

Contact Us

For questions or inquiries about External Relations or to share an event or project, fill out our form.

Contact Us
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External Relations advances the Plan for Pitt by leading where we are responsible and aligning where we can support.

Our Key Drivers

2025-2028 and Beyond

  • Elevate Pitt’s visibility and reputation with key external audiences.
  • Drive public impact to broaden the University’s reach and relevance.
  • Execute a successful comprehensive campaign with transformational results.
  • Inspire alumni to engage in all that is possible at Pitt.
Centers of Excellence
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Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement

Cultivates relationships with donors, alumni, and other constituents on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, generating support for students, teaching, research, and care.

Focus Areas:

  • Development
  • Alumni Relations
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University Communications and Marketing

Develops and delivers integrated communications and marketing strategies to raise the University’s profile, strengthen its reputation, and differentiate Pitt and its value proposition among target audiences.

Focus Areas:

  • Communications
  • Marketing
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Government Relations and Advocacy

Serves as the primary liaison between the University and Pitt’s partners in local, state, and federal government to build awareness about Pitt’s impact and increase support for the University.

Focus Areas:

  • Government Relations
  • Advocacy
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Public Impact Portfolio

Connects Pitt’s work to the world by aligning community engagement, economic development, and social impact research. We help Pitt drive meaningful change alongside the communities we serve.

Focus Areas:

  • Engagement and Community Affairs
  • Economic Development