Director of Executive and Operational Research Communications - OVPR

Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of the Vice President of Research is searching for a Director of Executive Operational Research Communications. This is a dynamic opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment. You will contribute to the department by providing critical support by coordinating and generating communications assets across the OVPR. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Research Initiatives, the Director will also work with the leadership of CMU’s research operations, technology transfer and government relations units. In addition, the director will have a secondary reporting line to the Senior Director of Research Communications and routinely collaborate with members of the University Communications and Marketing team.

The director will be primarily responsible for ensuring high quality communications assets are available to support the highest priority strategic and operational activities originating from the organizations overseen by the Office of the Vice President for Research. Such assets include, but are not limited to, PowerPoint presentations and talking points for the Vice President for Research, email communications from OVPR senior leaders to campus constituencies and content for OVPR web pages. Larger projects will also require the director to collaborate with and oversee the activities of external vendors and consultants. This position requires a creative and strategic problem solver with a combination of writing, interpersonal and design skills along with project management expertise.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Generate PowerPoint and speaking assets for the VP of Research for high profile speaking engagements (internal and external) and other forums such as Board of Trustee committee meetings, annual addresses to Faculty Senate etc.
• Work with OVPR leadership to develop and manage communications cascades for important announcements regarding funding opportunities, limited submissions and changes to CMU’s research policies, practices and procedures
• Support the development of periodic (monthly, quarterly or annually) communication vehicles such as newsletters and/or leadership updates
• Coordinate with the University Communications and Marketing (UCM) Research Communications team to ensure that internal and external communications and messaging are aligned
• Support the development of new and revised web content and information architectures for the OVPR and its organizations
• Coordinate and supervise the work of any external vendors (freelancers, consultants etc.) engaged to implement any of the above activities
• Other duties as assigned

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the OVPR. Inclusion, teamwork and cultural sensitivity are valued proficiencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of our 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 writing skills (may be asked to provide a writing/communications sample)
• Strong design and information organization skills
• Ability to quickly generate “first draft” materials quickly and with only high level mentorship on key messages and audiences
• Ability to analyze and understand data tables and translate into charts and other visualizations for use in communications assets
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Ability to prioritize work and balance multiple tasks simultaneously
• Experience in developing and implementing communications plans.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the position
• 3 years of relevant communications and/or project management experience

Requirements:

• Successful background check
  

Additional Information:

• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in office presence.

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

CMU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Staff and faculty must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. Please see Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus for details regarding the university’s current COVID-19 mitigation requirements.

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Communications

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

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