Executive Director, Advancement Communications and Marketing - University Advancement

Executive Director For Advancement Communications & Marketing

As University Advancement at Carnegie Mellon University continues to build on a foundation of excellence in strategic communications, leadership engagement, branding, storytelling and constituent experience, we are seeking an Executive Director for Advancement Communications & Marketing. This role is designed for a visionary communications leader who can develop and execute integrated communications and marketing strategies that strengthen the university's reputation, advance institutional priorities and deepen engagement with alumni, donors, parents and friends.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Advancement Communications and Marketing, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary team responsible for advancement communications, leadership communications, marketing and branding, creative services, video production, editorial content and, in partnership with the Senior Director of Digital Communications, digital communication campaigns. This individual will oversee the development and execution of integrated communications strategies across multiple channels, ensuring consistent messaging, exceptional creative quality and measurable results.

The Executive Director will serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior Advancement leadership and collaborate closely with partners across the university, including the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, individual colleges and schools and administrative units, to advance Carnegie Mellon's strategic priorities through coordinated, high-impact communications.

As an innovative leader, the Executive Director will champion the thoughtful adoption of emerging communications technologies, including artificial intelligence, identifying opportunities to enhance creativity, improve operational efficiency, strengthen audience engagement and inform strategic decision-making while upholding the university's standards for ethics, quality and brand integrity.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic vision, planning and execution of integrated communications and marketing initiatives that advance the goals of University Advancement and Carnegie Mellon University.
• Directing and mentoring a high-performing, multidisciplinary communications team responsible for advancement communications, leadership communications, marketing and branding, design, video, editorial content and digital communications, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Developing comprehensive communications strategies that support fundraising priorities, institutional initiatives, executive leadership, major campaigns and signature university events.
• Partnering closely with senior leaders across the university — including the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, academic colleges, University Communications and Marketing, schools and administrative units — to ensure communications are aligned with institutional priorities and reinforce a cohesive university narrative.
• Providing strategic communications counsel to Advancement leadership and university partners, helping shape messaging, positioning and communications approaches for complex institutional initiatives.
• In partnership with the Senior Director of Digital Communications, the Senior Director of Donor Relations and the Executive Director for Annual Giving Strategy, leading the continued evolution of donor communications strategies, including email marketing, social media, web content, online engagement, digital fundraising and stewardship, ensuring coordinated, data-informed campaigns across all channels.
• Utilizing data, audience insights and performance…