Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science (SCS) is a world-leading educational and research institution, embracing all facets of computing – from the study of computer science foundations and theory to pursuing elegant algorithms and novel applications to constructing rugged robots that explore the ocean and outer space. Alumni along with past and present faculty members are winners of the A.M. Turing Award, the highest honor bestowed upon computer scientists.

Our faculty spans a wide range of subject areas including engineering, science, mathematics, social sciences, linguistics and design. Our world-class and rigorous undergraduate programs are among the most selective globally and our graduate programs consistently rank among the best in the United States. SCS research projects and collaborations with industry are often cited as vital drivers of Pittsburgh’s reputation as an outstanding technology hub.

Working for and with the Dean and with colleagues in the School’s Dean’s Office, a team of seven marketing and communications professionals and other communications colleagues in seven academic units within the School, in University Communications and Marketing (UCM) and across CMU’s other Schools and Colleges, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer in the School of Computer Science will expand, refine, plan and lead the execution of coordinated communications, visibility and marketing efforts for the School, in support of the vision set by the School’s leadership and the brand pillars of Carnegie Mellon University.

This position serves as the primary communications and marketing strategist for the School’s broad education, research and outreach enterprise while leading the efforts of a dedicated team of communications professionals who focus on content development and storytelling, media relations, publications, web content and management, internal communications, DEI communications, digital and social media communications, video production and more.

This position reports directly to the Dean with indirect reporting to the Associate Dean for Finance & Administration.

Core Responsibilities

• Define and refine key constituencies, including international, national, regional and local decision makers, influencers, media, donors and prospective donors, elected officials, partners of all types, alumni, prospective students, and other key audiences;
• Design and implement methods and/or metrics to assess how the team achieves success relative to the School’s visibility and reputational recognition;
• Coordinate, define and refine brand and key messages for the School and current advances in computer science generally, within the context and in support of the priorities of the University;
• Coordinate SCS marketing and communications with University Communications and Marketing and with academic units/departments within SCS (seven academic units/departments plus projects, programs, research centers and special initiatives) for consistency and leverage;
• Provide leadership for marketing in SCS departments and support departmental marketing and communication efforts;
• Work with team members on development of the School’s various means and vehicles of communication, and on utilization of key channels including media relations, public relations, web content and management, social media, printed publications and collateral and government communications; in addition, monitor and assess emerging communications channels that could benefit the School;
• Coordinate modern web design and content strategies, Technical Communication Platforms team and Web Steering Committee;
• Work and communicate as needed with departments heads, faculty, researchers, program leaders, staff, students and alums, serving as a subject matter authority to stakeholders within the School.
• Work with and manage relationships with external graphic design, marketing, PR and video production resources as needed;
• Represent the School in supporting University marketing and communications efforts;
• Coordinate all creative direction and content creation
• Appreciate and understand Carnegie Mellon’s peers/competitors

Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of relevant marketing and communications leadership experience
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Experience in higher education and/or agency environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent team leadership and supervisory skills with proven experience in coaching and mentoring to help advance the careers of direct reports
• Strong project management proficiency
• Experience with a broad range of communications platforms including traditional, digital, interactive and social media
• Demonstrable data analysis skills
• Solid technical capacity and work experience affording an ability to understand and convey scientific and technical subject matter
• A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.