Project Manager of Brand Initiatives - University Communications & Marketing

Position Overview

This position, seated on the University Communications and Marketing team, works closely with enrollment management, undergraduate admission, the Rales Fellows Program, and academic colleges to coordinate marketing initiatives that achieve strategic enrollment objectives. The role supports the development of marketing plans under the guidance of UCM leadership and helps steer brand projects and initiatives to ensure brand consistency while advancing the overall marketing strategy. The successful candidate will translate complex, high-level strategic objectives into actionable operational plans while leading cross-functional teams through the full project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the central operational hub for brand initiatives, ensuring clear communication between communications, marketing teams, academic stakeholders, and leadership.
• Apply project management methodologies to oversee high-stakes marketing initiatives, maintain documentation, manage critical paths, and proactively mitigate risks.
• Manage the Brand exploratory and research project to track overall brand equity.
• Support the development and implementation of integrated marketing plans for university-level initiatives, including projects for undergraduate admission and the Rales Fellows Program.
• Collaborate with team members and senior leaders to build strategies for successful full-funnel recruitment processes across digital, print, and event marketing channels.
• Execute segmented and sequenced marketing communications plans targeting various phases of the admission funnel.
• Provide consultation to academic colleges and administrative units to support effective marketing efforts and brand alignment.
• Partner with the creative team on both print and digital initiatives to ensure that project objectives and brand guidelines are met.
• Utilize UCM’s project management system to keep projects on track and ensure efficient workflow and communication.
• Leverage brand messages to enhance the university’s national stature and internal brand consistency across various media.
• Research industry trends and share insights with university leaders and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills
• Strong organization and planning skills
• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5-8 years of marketing, brand management, project management, or related experience
• Successful pre-employment background check
• Must be currently legally authorized to work for Carnegie Mellon University in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience in higher education is a plus

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Tuition benefits
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays
• Life and accidental death & disability insurance
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• Access to our Family Concierge Team for childcare navigation
• Fitness center access and much more