Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and passionate to deliver work that matters. Our world-class institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce talented alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university's creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, an entrepreneurial spirit, and collaboration. Consider joining our team as we are seeking a Director of Internal Communications!

The Director, Internal Communications is responsible for managing the internal communications function for Carnegie Mellon University. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Communications, the Director, Internal Communications works closely with other members of the University Communications and Marketing division, liaises and works collaboratively with communications staff across the university.

This role is responsible for developing organizational structure and strategic plans for internal communications, as well as for managing content and/or internal communications vehicles used across the institution. Those channels include the CMU homepage, CMU Newsroom and Piper digital publication. This role also collaborates in building and managing messaging platforms for key strategic areas when they are needed, including in crisis situations.

As a liaison for internal communications professionals across the university, the Director, internal communications is responsible for creating and implementing internal/employee communications content and contributing to strategies that actively engage internal audiences on an organization-wide basis.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Employ best practices to develop engaging messages, clear, effective communications, and brand/culture-appropriate content for internal audiences to advance engagement and overall experiences.
• Build and execute an internal editorial and communications plan that is aligned with key business objectives and implemented with consistency across internal channels. Create, establish and document standard processes, protocols and templates for the internal communications practice area.
• Direct editorial calendar of internal communications. Conceive, write and edit stories linked to the editorial calendar and strategic priorities of the institution. Conduct research and interviews and develop high quality articles and other content for university channels, and perform or direct fact-checking and consultation to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the material.
• Work closely with other campus communicators to conceive and coordinate stories that reach key target audiences. Effectively collaborate with marketing colleagues on digital vehicles, including homepage content and development. Collaborate with marketing colleagues to report and optimize on the efficiency of internal communications using data and analytics.
• Participate in content and communications planning meetings, content leadership team meetings, and senior staff meetings to coordinate messaging and projects.
• Act as liaison with colleagues focused on emergency preparedness and to support institutional crisis and issues management.
• Manage writing, research and fact-checking support for major announcements and high-level initiatives. Develop content for confidential, sensitive or embargoed events with prudence, discretion and appropriate caution.
• Creatively incorporate innovative approaches to storytelling to demonstrate integration of content across multiple channels, including writing for social media and collaborating with colleagues to develop multimedia assets. Create ideas and make recommendations for new and creative ways to communicate to various audiences including students, faculty and other employees.
• Monitor news and global events to identify opportunities, concerns and interests for the university community. Observe communications trends and developments that might influence, inspire or otherwise affect the university's marketing and communications efforts, and provide updates and background information as needed.
• Collaborate closely on executive communications and issues management.
• Undertake other critical writing tasks as assigned.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within University Communications and Marketing. 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.

You should demonstrate:

• Ability to constructively engage with colleagues at all levels, pay close attention to details and convey information clearly and with respect and tact
• Excellent writing, and fact-checking skills; ability to develop compelling, concise and clear material within tight deadlines and in line with applicable style guides

Qualifications:

• Experience managing internal communications functions
• Strategic problem solver with proven ability to conceive of and execute storytelling content in line with institutional and brand objectives
• Experience interviewing diverse subjects for stories, background information or fact-checking; centering diverse voices
• Familiarity with or experience working in higher education institutions
• Experience handling multiple projects simultaneously and aligning with colleagues on priorities; adaptability and flexibility in direct responsibilities and collaborative work
• Willingness to take ownership for quality and outcomes on complex university communications needs; experience providing clients with strategic counsel required
• Note: a combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
  

Requirements:

• Successful background check
  

Additional Information:

• Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in office presence 3 days a week.

Interested in this 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.

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