At Carnegie Mellon University, “My heart is in the work” is more than a slogan — it’s a reflection of who we are. We are seeking an inaugural Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment Marketing who has an opportunity to bring that same passion and dedication to Graduate Admissions!
Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
Carnegie Mellon’s Division of Enrollment Management seeks a highly experienced and strategic marketing leader for the role of Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment Marketing. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment Marketing and Communications, this professional will be responsible for defining and executing a comprehensive, sustainable graduate recruitment marketing framework across the university and in close collaboration with University Communications and Marketing. This role is critical to ensuring dedicated focus and strategic growth for CMU's graduate programs, distinct from undergraduate recruitment efforts.

Core responsibilities include:

Serve as lead and manager on the development and execution of a comprehensive graduate enrollment marketing strategy to increase visibility, generate qualified leads, and support enrollment goals across CMU’s graduate program portfolio.
Drive the development, implementation, and continuous optimization of an institution-wide graduate recruitment marketing plan, focusing on building a robust, measurable and sustainable framework that sets a positive, compelling, and powerful entry point for students that segues naturally into the individual marketing and communications tactics performed at the College and Program unit level.
Serve as the primary liaison with external marketing and research agencies, guiding market research initiatives, overseeing strategy development, and directing the creation of core campaign assets.
Plan, develop, launch (and serve as graduate subject matter expert on) paid media campaigns across digital platforms (Google, LinkedIn, Meta, etc.) to drive lead generation and applications. Lead day-to-day campaign management and optimization via audience and keyword research, campaign testing, and other best practices.
Plan, develop and launch organic marketing initiatives across web, email, print, and other channels to build awareness and drive lead generation that supports applicant growth for graduate programs. Strategically develop and manage the overarching website presence and user journey for graduate programs that reflects digital best practices and incorporates SEO strategies to increase visibility, boost organic traffic, and generate qualified leads.
Utilize enrollment data and market insights to inform segmentation, messaging, and budget allocation decisions, optimizing strategies for prospect generation and application volume. Additionally, conduct quarterly reviews of website performance and user engagement metrics to identify opportunities for optimization and content enhancement.
Take the lead on developing and managing sophisticated audience segmentation and personalized communication flows for graduate prospects within the Slate CRM system. Ensure messaging is tailored and effectively addresses the unique needs of advanced degree seekers.
Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with leadership, admission and marketing teams across CMU's academic Colleges and Departments to understand priorities, promote participation, and secure buy-in for centralized marketing strategies.
Work closely with University Communications and Marketing (UCM) to ensure consistent branding, messaging, and visual identity standards are applied across all graduate marketing materials and to support the development of compelling creative for campaign assets, effectively building the CMU graduate brand.
Establish and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for graduate recruitment marketing efforts presenting data-driven insights and recommendations to academic and administrative leadership.

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.

You should demonstrate:

Leadership: ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels
Ability to collaborate across departments
Exceptional written and verbal communication, negotiation, and project management skills
Ability to develop and launch coordinated paid media campaign across a variety of digital platforms

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field is required; Master’s degree preferred
Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in marketing, with a significant focus on strategic development and digital execution is essential; dedicated experience in higher education graduate enrollment marketing is preferred
Technical Proficiency: Proven, hands-on experience utilizing a CRM system (Slate preferred) for audience segmentation, communication flow development, and campaign execution
Skills: Expertise in audience segmentation, multi-channel campaign management, and working with external agencies
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Requirements:

Successful pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

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.

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

Marketing

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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Associate Director, Graduate Enrollment Marketing – Enrollment Management