Senior Project Manager (part-time and fixed-term) - University Communications and Marketing

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 part-time, fixed-term Senior Project Manager to join the Creative Team.

This position will be responsible for managing projects coming from the creative studio within the Marketing team. As an advocate for CMU branding, this individual is expected to contribute to the exceptional quality of creative marketing and communications solutions to meet the overarching university and individual customers’ needs in accordance with brand guidelines and strategy. As projects require, you will meet with campus units to discuss project objectives and make suggestions regarding process to address objectives, budget and delivery. You will be directly responsible for delivering assigned projects for internal ‘clients,’ on time and on budget, by managing client intake, estimates and expectations, project timelines, and production schedules with the creative team, vendors and across UCM disciplines as required (e.g. designers, photographers, videographers, writers).

Core responsibilities include:

• Managing projects coming to the creative studio.
• Determining needs, materials and implementation of communications including medium for delivery and technical resources.
• Ensuring objectives are met, offering timely reports and oversight to projects.
• Working with vendors involved in the production and delivery of communications including requesting quotes, estimates and vendor invoices.
• Meeting with campus units to discuss project objectives, timelines and making suggestions regarding process to address objectives, budget, messaging and delivery.
• Hosting meetings such as project request discovery, project kickoff, presentation of concepts with the design team and others as projects require.
• Meeting the overarching university and individual customers’ needs on time and within budget in accordance with branding guidelines and strategy ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Ensuring quality control throughout the project by reviewing deliverables and ensuring they meet the university's branding, accuracy, and quality standards before approval and release.
• In collaboration with the Design Director, prioritizing work requests based on team needs, job requirements, timelines and budgets and evaluating the need for freelance assistance for a given project or timeframe; and such other tasks as may be assigned to you.
• Gathering feedback from campus partners, communicating with the creative team and incorporating into the design and development process to ensure materials reflect the university’s academic excellence and values.
• Conducting post-project evaluations to identify areas for improvement in workflow, communication, or resource allocation for future projects.
• Manage project closing process, ensuring all deliverables are finalized, documented, and archived while capturing key learnings and documenting results for future reference.
• Track project expenditures, providing financial updates to project stakeholders.
• Coordinating with vendors and the marketing finance department to ensure timely processing of invoices and payments, verifying that expenses align with approved budgets and contracts.
• Identifying potential risks (budget overruns, resource shortages, timeline delays) and developing mitigation plans to minimize project disruption.
• Utilizing project management tools (e.g., Monday.com, Google Workspace and Box) to track progress, manage timelines, and communicate effectively with teams and stakeholders.

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 collaborate and build relationships 
• Strong oral and written communications skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Marketing/Graphic Design Experience; Project Management Experience; Vendor Management, and prepress or productions experience
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check, including Act 153 child protection clearances

Additional Information:

• This is a part-time position expected to work 18-19 hours per week
• This is a fixed term role, expected to last through June 30, 2025. 
• 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 sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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 – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Part time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: