About the role

Do you enjoy crafting and implementing compelling public relations and communication strategies? Are you enthusiastic about writing, team management, and media relations? Would you like to work with leaders in the fields of software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) on projects that matter to the Department of Defense (DoD), government agencies, and private industry?

We’re looking for a Manager of Public Relations to join the Communications team at the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) to be our principal spokesperson and media contact. You’ll take charge of all public relations efforts, steer crisis communications, manage a team of dedicated public relations professionals, and write and edit content for the SEI website and other channels. You will collaborate with SEI researchers, senior leadership, and other subject-matter experts to help them create professional materials that communicate the innovations and impact of their work.

What you’ll do

Oversee all public relations activities across the SEI. 

Serve as the principal spokesperson and media point of contact for the SEI.  Oversee and contribute to promotional communications, such as website news and the SEI Blog, to promote the work of the SEI. Oversee and contribute to internal news channels intended for SEI team members.

Collaborate cross-functionally with the SEI Director and the Director’s Office staff to carry out internal and external communication strategies.  Partner with Carnegie Mellon University public relations staff and other divisions to publicize joint and complimentary activities.

Lead the team in managing communications with external customers, including government organizations (such as the US Department of Homeland Security, US-CERT, and US Department of Defense) and industry partners.

Manage the team of senior writers and content strategists responsible for internal and external communications; you’ll handle performance management, employment decisions, and work oversight.

Develop and manage the budget for the Public Relations team.

Represent the interests and work of Public Relations and its staff members in group settings and with senior management.

Plan, manage, schedule, and track project tasks.

Who you are

You have at least five to eight years of experience in a public relations management role in a technical organization.

You have excellent campaign management, people management, document planning, writing, substantive editing, and copyediting skills.

You are committed to customer service for subject-matter experts, but you are also a strong advocate for their readers.

You have strong organizational, time management, and project management skills and can prioritize multiple responsibilities.

You have the social skills to interview subject-matter experts or work closely with them to plan and develop written technical materials.

You have significant experience with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and PowerPoint.

You can work with minimal or no supervision.

You are willing to travel within the SEI and CMU community—and occasionally to sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings—to support the SEI’s mission (<5%).

You can pass a background check, and possibly obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

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. 

You might also have experience in

an academic or technical research setting

marketing or public relations writing for a technical or DoD audience

issue- and project-tracking software

website content-management systems

How to apply

With your resume, please also upload two short pieces that demonstrate your writing skills.

A cover letter is optional but can expand on your work history and explain how it aligns with the job description.

Who we are

Always focused on the future, the SEI advances software as a strategic advantage for national security. We lead research and direct transition of software engineering, cybersecurity, and AI technologies at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We serve the nation as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the DoD and are based at Carnegie Mellon University, a global research university annually rated among the best for its programs in computer science and engineering. Learn more about Careers at the SEI.

The Technical Communications team helps the SEI’s subject-matter experts inform our sponsor and the public about the research, methods, products, and services developed at the SEI.

Our benefits

Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, the SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits to help you live well, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, and a generous PTO and retirement-savings policy to name a few. 

Why work here?

Work with subject-matter experts doing cutting-edge research to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.

Join an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly team.

Get an 8% monthly contribution to your retirement plan, without having to contribute yourself.

Get tuition benefits for you and your dependent children to attend classes at CMU.

Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with a flexible work arrangement.

Get access to university resources such as campus fitness facilities, mindfulness programs, childcare, free transportation on the Port Authority Transit System, and more.

Enjoy annual professional-development opportunities to attend conferences and training or get a certification.

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

Media/Public Relations

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. 

Statement of Assurance