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 university's 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 Mellon's 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 university's 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:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's 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 driver's license. Must complete a driver's license verification on an annual basis and complete the National Safety Council's 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; it’s 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!

Location

Job Function

Position Type

Full Time/Part time

Pay Basis

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

• Statement of Assurance