Senior Director for Global Media Relations - University Communications and Marketing

Global and Local Strategy: Build, maintain, and expand deep, trusted relationships with elite national, international, regional, state, and local news media outlets, as well as non-traditional and emerging news media platforms.

Proven Placements: Drive a continuous track record of high-impact news placements highlighting CMU's distinct research, innovations, and academic milestones.

Issues Positioning: Work with the university’s crisis response team, UCM’s reputation management lead, the president’s office, and key academic and administrative units to proactively craft media messaging that best positions the university when sensitive issues arise that could adversely affect the university’s reputation and operations.

Campaign Architecture: Design and deploy comprehensive external media campaigns that tie directly into the broader university brand strategy.

Executive & Faculty Positioning: Proactively identify and package specialized faculty research, academic expertise, and executive perspectives into compelling national narratives.

Content Innovation: Collaborate, edit, curate and at times, write, sophisticated media packages, op-eds, press pitches, and multimedia content optimized for national newsrooms.

Speakers Bureau: Oversee media training infrastructure to prepare internal leaders and researchers for high-profile national interviews and public events.

Proactive Trend-Setting: Act as an industry pioneer by integrating predictive data analytics, AI workflows, and emerging media technologies to identify breaking news cycles before they trend.

Modernized Newsroom Efficiency: Safely and ethically implement generative AI and advanced monitoring tech stacks to accelerate narrative creation, pitch personalization, and team workflow output.

Data-Backed Reporting: Overhaul media tracking systems to interpret complex impact data, providing senior university leadership with actionable insights on brand sentiment.

Talent Development: Directly supervise, mentor, and advocate for the central media relations team, cultivating a culture of high performance, creative agency, and psychological safety.

Campus-Wide Collaboration: Act as an expert PR counselor to decentralized school-based marketing and communications teams across CMU to coordinate cross-campus narratives.

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.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field required (Master’s degree preferred).

Eight (8) years of progressive professional experience in media relations, public relations, or strategic communications in a complex and/or high-profile organizational or media environment.

Track Record: Documented success in cultivating relationships and securing consistent placements with top-tier national news editors, producers, and journalists.

Leadership: Five (5) years of demonstrated leadership experience, with a proven ability to lead, upskill, and inspire diverse communication professionals.

A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.

The Higher Education Landscape: Deep familiarity with research universities or complex, highly decentralized institutional settings.

An "AI Mindset": Advanced literacy in media tracking tech stacks and a forward-thinking grasp of how artificial intelligence tools can responsibly accelerate communication efforts.

Exceptional Communication: Impeccable written, verbal, and public presentation skills, with the emotional intelligence to navigate high-stakes executive scenarios.

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!