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The senior director for research communications is responsible for developing and executing integrated communication initiatives related to Carnegie Mellon's research enterprise. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Communications, the senior director also will work in close coordination with the Vice President for Research. The senior director will serve as the university's editor-in-chief for its research enterprise, with primary responsibility for capturing and articulating the research-related stories that bring alive this remarkable institution, coordinating the channels through which those stories are told and ensuring execution at the highest level.

The Director of Research Communications will manage research and economic development communications activities in alignment with CMU's research priorities and in collaboration with Corporate Engagement and Government Affairs. This position is responsible for developing a strategy for communicating about Carnegie Mellon's research and economic development activities in a comprehensive way and ensuring that communications activities are carried out consistent with that strategy to drive measurable results. This position requires a creative strategist with a passion for innovative storytelling and media relations and who can work closely with the analytics team to develop and utilize key performance indicators in strategic communications planning and implementation.

Core Responsibilities Include:

• Develop communications and marketing strategy to raise the visibility of the Carnegie Mellon research enterprise
• Work closely with Associate Vice President for Communications and senior staff to collaborate across the university with college, school and library communicators to ensure research is positioned correctly and communications are done effectively and efficiently; partner with other campus communicators to conceive and coordinate stories that reach key target audiences
• Create and promote research news through proper channels and platforms
• Collaborate in building messaging platforms for key strategic areas
• Direct and implement research news and media outreach strategies to support the university's research and economic development initiatives
• Engage in newsroom and campaign-style planning to ensure long-term success of message penetration
• Contribute to content and related multimedia production to illustrate the economic and societal impact of CMU research and related advances
• Organize and supervise research communications staff and any freelancers; creatively incorporate new approaches to storytelling to demonstrate integration of content across multiple channels, including writing for social media and collaborating with colleagues to develop multimedia assets; work with supervisors to provide guidance and support to writers and editors on writing quality, style, substance and messaging
• Support corporate and foundation relations communication activities as appropriate
• Develop and maintain relationships with sponsor organizations and unit/research communicators
• Coordinate and collaborate with University Communications & Marketing colleagues on the innovative use of social media, media relations and storytelling; shape key communications planning and effective organization, ensure consistent messaging across channels; develop close working relationships on both the communications and marketing side
• Participate in content and communications planning meetings, content leadership team meetings, and senior staff meetings to champion messaging through coverage, positioning or reference to promote major initiatives and priorities, and coordinating selected projects as needed
• Observe relevant communications trends and developments that might influence, inspire or otherwise affect the university's marketing and communications efforts, and provide updates and background information as needed

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within University Communications and Marketing. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, business or some other relevant field; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 12-15 years as a leader in multi-channel content creation
• Management experience required; ability to lead and inspire a campus of content creators and creative personnel to achieve goals
• Science, research and technology technical writing experience and the ability to make complex material easily digestible to a variety of audiences or for specialized, target audiences
• Research skills and business acumen with a fluency in topical news and culture
• Ability to work after hours and on weekends when appropriate
• Strong technical writing and editing ability
• Excellent writing, editing and fact-checking skills. Ability to develop compelling, concise and clear material within tight deadlines and in line with applicable style guides
• Strategic thinker with proven ability to conceive of and execute storytelling content in line with institutional and brand objectives
• Demonstrated ability to constructively engage with colleagues at all levels, pay close attention to details and convey information clearly and with respect and tact
• Familiarity with or experience working in higher education and/or research institutions
• Experience handling multiple projects simultaneously and aligning with colleagues on priorities; adaptability and flexibility in direct responsibilities and collaborative work
• Willingness and ability to take ownership for quality and outcomes on complex university communications needs
• Experience in writing strategic communications & marketing plans\Deep understanding of content and content marketing. Demonstrated leadership in strategic communications, crisis communications and marketing communications around research with documented results

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in office presence 3-days a week.

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity? Apply today!

CMU's COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Staff and faculty must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. Please see Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus for details regarding the university's current COVID-19 mitigation requirements.

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