Project Manager of Brand Initiatives – University Communications & Marketing

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

14d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position, seated on the University Communications and Marketing team, works closely with enrollment management, undergraduate admission, the Rales Fellows Program, and academic colleges to coordinate marketing initiatives to achieve strategic enrollment objectives, and supports development of marketing plans under the guidance of UCM leadership. This role will help steer brand projects and initiatives that build continuity and ensure brand consistency while supporting the broad marketing strategy of UCM. Understands objectives of a project scope to contribute to the development of sophisticated, multichannel marketing strategies, plans and campaigns. This role requires a high level of project management experience, requiring the ability to translate complex, high-level strategic objectives into actionable operational plans. Success in this position relies on expert organization and the capacity to lead cross-functional teams through the full project lifecycle—from scope definition and resource allocation to execution and retrospective analysis. The ideal candidate will leverage project management best practices to drive efficiency and accountability, ensuring that multifaceted marketing campaigns involving diverse stakeholders are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard of brand consistency.

Requirements

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5-8 years of Marketing, brand management, project management, or related experience
• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States.
• This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence three days a week.

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree preferred
• Experience in higher education is a plus, but not required
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Responsibilities

• Serve as the central operational hub for brand initiatives, facilitating clear communication between communication and marketing teams, academic stakeholders, and leadership to resolve bottlenecks and ensure seamless workflow across the university ecosystem
• Apply project management methodologies to oversee high-stakes marketing initiatives, utilizing the department's project management systems to maintain documentation, manage critical paths, and mitigate risks proactively
• Manage the Brand exploratory and research project that tracks our overall brand equity
• Supports development and implementation of integrated marketing plans for university-level initiatives and priorities, including UCM, undergraduate admission, the Rales Fellows Program and other special projects, as assigned
• Collaborates with Admission/EM team members, partnering closely with the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, to build strategy for successful full-funnel recruitment processes inclusive of digital, print and event marketing in support of recruitment strategies, initiatives and goals
• Execute segmented and sequenced marketing communications plans that target all phases of the admission funnel for prospective students, parents/families and related influencers
• Provide consultation to academic colleges and administrative units to support the efficacy of their marketing efforts and promote alignment with the university’s brand blueprint and marketing programs
• Collaborate with UCM team on creative – print and digital – development, execution and implementation to ensure project objectives are met
• Project management in UCM’s project management system to keep projects on track and ensure efficient workflow and communication
• Leverages brand messages to enhance national stature of CMU as well as ensuring internal brand alignment on collateral, video, web and events for various brand and campus initiatives
• Research and stay abreast of industry trends to share with university leaders and stakeholders

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
• 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
• For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees