Executive Director, Advancement Communications and Marketing University Advancement

As University Advancement at Carnegie Mellon University continues to build on a foundation of excellence in strategic communications leadership engagement branding storytelling and constituent experience we are seeking an Executive Director for Advancement Communications & Marketing. This role is designed for a visionary communications leader who can develop and execute integrated communications and marketing strategies that strengthen the universitys reputation advance institutional priorities and deepen engagement with alumni donors parents and friends.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Communications and Marketing the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary team responsible for advancement communications leadership communications marketing and branding creative services video production editorial content and in partnership with the Senior Director of Digital Communications digital communication campaigns. This individual will oversee the development and execution of integrated communications strategies across multiple channels ensuring consistent messaging exceptional creative quality and measurable results.

The Executive Director will serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior Advancement leadership and collaborate closely with partners across the university including the Office of the President the Office of the Provost individual colleges and schools and administrative units to advance Carnegie Mellons strategic priorities through coordinated high-impact communications.

As an innovative leader the Executive Director will champion the thoughtful adoption of emerging communications technologies including artificial intelligence identifying opportunities to enhance creativity improve operational efficiency strengthen audience engagement and inform strategic decision-making while upholding the universitys standards for ethics quality and brand integrity.

Core Responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic vision planning and execution of integrated communications and marketing initiatives that advance the goals of University Advancement and Carnegie Mellon University.

• Directing and mentoring a high-performing multidisciplinary communications team responsible for advancement communications leadership communications marketing and branding design video editorial content and digital communications fostering a culture of collaboration innovation and continuous improvement.

• Developing comprehensive communications strategies that support fundraising priorities institutional initiatives executive leadership major campaigns and signature university events.

• Partnering closely with senior leaders across the university including the Office of the President Office of the Provost academic colleges University Communications and Marketing schools and administrative units to ensure communications are aligned with institutional priorities and reinforce a cohesive university narrative.

• Providing strategic communications counsel to Advancement leadership and university partners helping shape messaging positioning and communications approaches for complex institutional initiatives.

• In partnership with the Senior Director of Digital Communications the Senior Director of Donor Relations and the Executive Director for Annual Giving Strategy leading the continued evolution of donor communications strategies including email marketing social media web content online engagement digital fundraising and stewardship ensuring coordinated data-informed campaigns across all channels.

• Utilizing data audience insights and performance analytics to evaluate communications effectiveness identify opportunities for improvement and provide strategic recommendations to university leadership and campus partners.

• Championing the responsible adoption of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence automation and predictive analytics to enhance content creation workflow efficiency personalization measurement and organizational effectiveness while maintaining ethical standards and human-centered communications.

• Fostering strong partnerships across University Advancement and the broader university community to ensure communications efforts are integrated coordinated and aligned with institutional priorities.

• Ensuring operational excellence by managing departmental priorities budgets resources and project workflows in a dynamic fast-paced environment.

• Other duties as assigned.

You Should Demonstrate:

• Exceptional strategic communications leadership with experience overseeing integrated communications and marketing functions across multiple disciplines.

• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams while fostering a collaborative innovative and inclusive culture.

• Outstanding written verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to advise senior leaders and build trusted relationships across complex organizations.

• Strong strategic planning and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

• A data-informed approach to communications with experience using analytics and audience insights to guide strategy and measure effectiveness.

• Experience leveraging emerging communications technologies including artificial intelligence automation and advanced analytics to improve organizational effectiveness audience engagement and communications outcomes.

• Knowledge of brand management reputation management executive communications storytelling digital communications and integrated marketing best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required; masters degree preferred.

• Seven to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications marketing public relations or a related field including significant leadership and management experience.

• Experience leading integrated communications functions within higher education nonprofit organizations or similarly complex institutions is strongly preferred.

• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

• Successful background check.

• Valid state drivers license. Must complete a drivers license verification on an annual basis and complete the National Safety Councils Defensive Driving training program once every three years.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical prescription dental and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs fitness center access and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials we evaluate the role and responsibilities your valuable work experience and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; its about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization! Apply today!

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