Senior Director, Creative - University Communications & Marketing
LocationPittsburgh, PA
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityDirector
Experience10+ yrs
DepartmentCommunications
Company size1,001–5,000 people
PostedOct 5, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live20h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree required
At least 10 years' work experience leading Creative Teams
Experience managing and leading others
Experience with graphic design and branding
Strong experience with the Adobe Creative Suite
Strong conceptual and design thinking (campaigns that build brands)
Ideas-led multi-channel portfolio of work (graphic design, environmental and event graphics, print collateral, digital advertising, video storytelling / campaigns, social media design / video assets)
Proven Leadership acumen
Demonstrated relationship-building ability
Excellent oral and written communication
Master's degree preferred
Successful pre-employment background check
Must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for STEM OPT benefit.
Skills
Adobe Creative Suite
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Transit pass
Fitness center access
Family concierge
Attention Candidates: Portfolios are highly encouraged to be submitted along with your resume/application.
About the company
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 culture marked by passion, ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. University Communications and Marketing is seeking a Senior Director, Creative to lead our Creative Services and Design Teams.
About the role
We are seeking someone with strong artistic talents that has experience with large-scale brand design, embraces design thinking, and has experience leading a team of creative professionals. This role plays a major part in helping to evolve Carnegie Mellon’s brand as our university continues to further blossom into a world-class academic and research institution.
Core responsibilities include:
· Collaborate across the department, division, executive leadership and other campus constituents on a regular basis.
· Evolve the strategic vision of the brand.
· Define design/image criteria of the university’s official identity system while designing publications, websites, videos and other creative elements.
· Drive innovation in all aspects of the job: creative execution, user experience, marketing tactics, workflows and organizational structure.
· Ensures that the integrity of the brand is present across all facets of the user experience.
· Provide leadership, creative direction and inspiration to the CMU creative services and design teams.
· Push creativity and explore new ways to craft unique solutions that reflect and evolve the CMU brand.
· Stay current with the competitive landscape, emerging trends and metrics to inform work.
· Work with campus units on strategies, solutions and executions to meet their marketing objectives.
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.
Requirements
You should demonstrate:
● Strong conceptual and design thinking (campaigns that build brands)
● Ideas-led multi-channel portfolio of work (graphic design, environmental and event graphics, print collateral, digital advertising, video storytelling / campaigns, social media design / video assets)
● Proven Leadership acumen
● Demonstrated relationship-building ability
● Excellent oral and written communication
Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred
● At least 10 years’ work experience leading Creative Teams
● Experience managing and leading others
● Experience with graphic design and branding.
● Strong experience with the Adobe Creative Suite.
● A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
Requirements:
· Successful pre-employment background check
Additional Information:
Legal
· Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
· Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence of four days a week.
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!
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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Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
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Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
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Statement of Assurance