Development Associate - Center for Business Engagement

University Advancement supports Carnegie Mellon University’s vision of having a transformative impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity and entrepreneurship by championing its mission, building relationships with its various constituencies, and securing critical private philanthropic support. As the division grows, we are seeking a Development Associate to join the Center for Business Engagement.

The Center for Business Engagement (CBE) reports through Advancement and has a dotted line to the Office of Vice President for Research. The CBE focuses on building strategic partnerships with industry. This team works closely with faculty to understand their research to help build the best partnerships with industry. The CBE team works across campus to make sure that the partnerships are holistic to have a great impact.

Reporting to the Director - Business Engagement, Campus Liaison, this role will provide essential administrative, operational, and data support to the Corporate Partnerships team within University Advancement. This role manages scheduling, documentation, and communication processes, prepares and edits prospect briefings, reports, and partnership materials, and ensures the accuracy of engagement data in the university databases. The position coordinates logistics for corporate visits and events, supports proposal development, and assists with research and special projects.

Core responsibilities include:

• Administrative & Operational Support: provide comprehensive administrative support to the CBE partnerships team, including scheduling, meeting coordination, agenda preparation, and follow-up. Maintain organized systems for documentation, correspondence, and partner information. Assist with tracking deadlines, action items, and team timelines across multiple projects.
• Prospect & Data Support: support the preparation, formatting, and editing of prospect briefings, profiles, reports, presentations, and correspondence. Maintain accuracy of prospect and engagement data in the University Advancement database of record; enter notes, track interactions, and ensure data completeness. Assist with gathering, organizing, and synthesizing research and data to support prospect strategy development and moves‑management activities.
• Corporate Engagement Support: assist in managing inbound corporate inquiries and coordinate responses with team members. Support the development of corporate proposals, presentations, and partnership materials. Help monitor faculty and campus initiatives to ensure alignment with corporate engagement opportunities.
• Event & Visit Coordination: coordinate logistics for on‑campus and virtual visits by corporate representatives. Support planning and execution of corporate engagement events, meetings, and presentations. Liaise with internal partners to ensure smooth execution of visit schedules, room bookings, and related needs.
• Communication & Document Support: draft, proofread, and edit email correspondence, meeting notes, internal updates, and project summaries. Support the preparation of proposals and gift or sponsored research documents as needed. Ensure that all materials meet quality, accuracy, and style standards.
• Project Support & Cross‑Campus Collaboration: support special projects involving data analysis, writing/editing, and collaborative problem‑solving. Coordinate follow-up with partners across University Advancement and other units to ensure progress and alignment. Assist in preparing reports for leadership, campus stakeholders, and external partners.
• Other Duties: perform additional administrative and programmatic tasks as assigned to support the mission and goals of the Corporate Partnerships and Business Engagement teams.
  
  

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can 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.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with internal partners and external corporate stakeholders.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Teamwork, initiative, and customer‑service orientation.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience (higher education or corporate engagement experience preferred)
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
  

Requirements:

• Successful background check
  
  

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
• Travel Requirements: You should be able to travel both domestically and internationally and be willing to work outside normal business hours as needed.
  
  

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Development

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

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