Senior Director, Advancement Communications and Marketing - University Advancement

As Carnegie Mellon University continues to build on a foundation of success and digital excellence, we are seeking a Senior Director, Advancement Communications and Marketing, to continue the momentum of our digital engagement efforts and serve as a data-driven strategist for University Advancement. This role is designed for a leader who can not only manage a complex digital ecosystem but also translate performance data into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations for partners across the university.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President (AVP), Advancement Communications and Marketing, the Senior Director will lead a high-performing team in executing a sophisticated, omnichannel digital strategy. The incumbent will oversee the advancement communications tech stack — specifically leveraging tools including Marketing Cloud and GiveCampus — and be responsible for monitoring and reporting on the success of digital marketing initiatives. By interpreting complex data sets across digital platforms, this leader will ensure that our outreach to alumni, parents, donors and other constituents is consistently optimized for maximum impact.

A seasoned manager and collaborator, the Senior Director will also provide strategic guidance to the digital gift officer program and lead mass digital marketing for signature programming, including Carnival, Homecoming and Giving Tuesday. This person will also be a leader to the university’s commitment to ethical innovation in AI, ensuring our strategies remain at the forefront of the industry while maintaining a focus on engagement and donor retention.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leading digital strategy and execution for University Advancement, building upon the momentum of current programs across social media, email marketing, event management, SMS and online giving.
• Serving as the primary interpreter of digital engagement data, utilizing Google Analytics and platform-specific metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of digital marketing cascades.
• Reporting on success to senior leadership and campus partners, providing clear visualizations and recommendations to inform future strategies.
• Managing the advancement communications tech stack, with a focus on maximizing the capabilities of Marketing Cloud and GiveCampus to enhance the constituent journey.
• Driving investment and ethical innovation in AI, integrating emerging tools into the workflow to increase efficiency and personalize donor engagement.
• Supervising and mentoring a team of high-performing digital communicators, fostering a collaborative environment focused on excellence and operational efficiency.
• Collaborating with content creators and campus partners to ensure alignment across engagement efforts. Work with the Executive Director to ensure that ACM communications initiatives are fully integrated and coordinated across all platforms, digital and print.
• Operating with high organization in a fast-paced environment, ensuring all deadlines and strategic milestones are met with precision.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

You should demonstrate:

• A highly data-driven mindset, with the ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings in meaningful ways to diverse stakeholders.
• Management experience is required, with a focus on mentoring digital specialists and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Proficiency in data tools and experience using data to make strategic recommendations.
• Experience creating digital marketing cascades and multi-channel campaign management.
• Technical proficiency in industry-standard tools.
• Strong relationship-building skills, working effectively with content creators and campus partners to ensure a unified brand voice.
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required (master’s degree preferred)
• 7-10 years of relevant work experience required
• 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.
  
  

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.
  
  

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

Communications

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