Director of Strategic Communications - Information Networking Institute (INI)

The Information Networking Institute (INI) provides technical, interdisciplinary master’s degree programs in information networking, security, mobility and AI. With extraordinary agility, the INI has navigated the changing landscape of technology from wired communications in the 1980s to wireless, mobile and Internet of Things in today’s world. What began as a small fledgling program has evolved over the past three decades to become an integral part of Carnegie Mellon’s College of Engineering and home to over 300 students each year from across the world.
The INI cultivates an inclusive culture that is welcoming, encouraging, and inspiring for our students, faculty, staff and alumni across all program locations: Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley. Our people are our core strength ¬– the fabric of the INI.
We are seeking an experienced writer, editor, and leader to join our team as a Director of Strategic Communications. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment and excel at leading, planning, and executing. In this role, you will lead the efforts in supporting the INI Director’s Office with departmental and business communications and media relations. You will review and edit communications efforts related to grant proposal and report writing, and demonstrate the ability to think strategically.
Reporting to the INI Senior Director of Strategic Operations with a direct line to the Director of the Information Networking Institute (INI), this position is instrumental in the planning and implementation of all strategic communication initiatives within INI. We are looking for someone who is an excellent, versatile writer and editor with strong leadership skills and the ability to think creatively. You should be flexible and adaptive, demonstrating a willingness to complete both routine and high-profile tasks with enthusiasm and energy.

Core Responsibilities:

• Leads, develops and implements strategic communication, executive positioning and strategic message development at the organizational level.
• Manages high-level/executive projects and all communications needs for the INI including communication materials development and communications plans implementation.
• Establishes communication policies or procedures.
• Assesses INI’s communication needs and objectives. Works with senior management to develop and approve a comprehensive communication plan.
• Leads the INI Communications team and supervises communications staff.
• Provides editorial oversight, quality control and review of all internal and external communications, including the INI annual magazine, The Network.
• Manages media relations and press outreach efforts. Assesses effectiveness of communications campaigns.
• Solicits feedback from stakeholders and identifies areas for improvement. Incorporates improvements into future communications plans. Determines needs, materials and implementation of communications including medium for delivery and technical resources. Acts as a project manager to oversee work and ensure objectives are met.
• Leads departmental grant report and proposal writing
• Oversees vendors involved in the production and delivery of communications.
• Advises the Director of INI on communications projects and initiatives and recommends new practices and projects.

Qualifications: ​

• Bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing, Technical Writing, Communications or equivalent discipline required; Master’s degree preferred
• At least 5-8 years of relevant Communications experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, relationship building and project management skills
• Strategic thinking and implementation.
• Management experience

Additional Requirements:

• Successful Background Check

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within CMU’s Information Networking Institute. Inclusion, collaboration and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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.

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

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Communications

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

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. 

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