Assistant Vice President, Advancement Communications and Marketing - University Advancement

Carnegie Mellon is enjoying its most productive fundraising years in its history, surpassing the initial fundraising goal for its $2 billion Make Possible campaign more than 18 months ahead of schedule.

University Advancement (UA) supports the entire CMU community in building relationships with key constituencies and securing the financial resources the university needs to continue its ascent. As the division grows, we are seeking a new Assistant Vice President, Advancement Communication and Marketing to join the team. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and fast-paced work environment.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Advancement Resources and Engagement Programs, you will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of a comprehensive advancement communication plan to include digital, print and media marketing, and communication streams for Carnegie Mellon’s audiences (alumni, parents, supporters, friends, faculty, staff, students). This position will direct, manage, and oversee the further development of a strategic and innovative engagement and communications approach for the UA constituencies with a primary focus on campaign and fundraising efforts.

As part of a comprehensive communications and marketing effort, this role will also direct and lead the annual giving and donor relations program in University Advancement. The AVP for Communications and Marketing will also be responsible for coordinating, collaborating, and providing expertise to all stakeholders, including campaign initiatives, fundraising teams, annual giving, and alumni relations on communications marketing strategies and deliverables, such as print collateral, press releases, speech content, event programming, email campaigns, and web presence to ensure that engaging, persuasive and timely information is shared with all constituencies in one unified voice.

Core responsibilities include:

• Analyzing existing programs in communications, annual giving, and donor relations; recommending innovative future approaches and directions for the entire program area, including introducing new communication initiatives, content, and channels to inform, cultivate and recognize alumni, volunteers, and donors.
• Developing annual and long-range planning and providing strategic direction for advancement-centric communications based on organizational goals, including multi-channel communication streams, system improvements, collateral development, training programs, professional development, and enhanced communication with internal/external constituencies.
• Overseeing and directing the development and implementation of all strategic communication and marketing plans.
• Providing oversight and leadership to the development of all donor relations communications, including impact reporting, acknowledgements, and capital project recognition.
• Incorporating emerging technologies into digital and print communication and marketing strategies.
• Providing oversight of the constituent management and digital marketing systems to ensure the most effective use of the technologies.
• Establishing, tracking, and ensuring that relevant metrics inform and guide communications, marketing, and engagement efforts across all constituencies.
• Establishing, integrating, and maintaining “Best Practices” guide to central and college-based alumni and donor communications collateral.
• Providing counsel and advice to senior administration, which significantly influences decision making and outcomes; provide triage support and recommendations for conflicting initiatives.
• Providing support to the President’s Office and other University departments for speeches, talking points and other briefings as they pertain to advancement initiatives.
• Working collaboratively and strategically with the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement on alumni and donor communications and event collateral.
• Developing and managing relationships with other departments and advancement units to understand the full range of communications and create strategically solid communication programming to meet those needs.
• Supervising advancement marketing and communications staff and providing support and expertise to other communications personnel across the university to ensure advancement messaging is promoted in other university collateral.
• Managing relationships with external vendors on hosted platforms including developing new technology and design, as well as troubleshooting issues.
• Managing budget resources for the communications office.
• Serving on various campus and community committees, task forces and councils.
• Performing related duties as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon. Collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, 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:

• Excellent written and interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and strengthen relationships over time.
• The ability to develop and nurture positive relationships with different members of the university community to ensure that “one voice” advancement messaging is strategically placed in various university collateral.
• Good judgment and the vision to execute a creative strategy that aligns with the mission and goals of the institution.
• Aptitude for collaborative work across a variety of offices and units, especially where direct oversight is not managed.
• Leadership and decision-making skills and the ability to manage people and projects.
• The ability to multi-task while managing multiple projects and assignments.

Qualifications:

• Education: bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• At least 10 years of experience in advancement communications and an understanding of higher education fundraising, institutional processes that includes managing and reporting fundraising activities.
• Knowledge of advancement business processes, including gift processing, receipting, and reporting, event management, prospect management and tracking, and communications efforts.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications including desktop applications as well as complex communications and marketing tools, advancement databases and reporting systems.
• Knowledge of budgeting, strategic planning, and cost analysis.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Carnegie Mellon University has retained Aspen Leadership Group for assistance in this exciting search.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited.

Applications should include a cover letter/letter of interest, CV, or resume.

To apply for this position, visit: Assistant Vice President for Advancement Communications and Marketing, Carnegie Mellon University

To nominate a candidate, please contact Steven Wallace

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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!

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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