Brand Manager

The University of Pittsburgh brand manager works within University Communications and Marketing (UCM) and serves as a key steward and ambassador of the University brand. The brand manager leads implementation of integrated marketing campaigns, supports key strategic initiatives within UCM and its partners, and promotes brand continuity and compliance across the University’s departments and schools.

The brand manager is a key member of the UCM team whose responsibilities include:

• Oversee brand strategy including driving changes and implementations in brand guidelines and creating a comprehensive brand guidelines training program for internal stakeholders in order to ensure a cohesive and consistent representation of the University of Pittsburgh brand.
• Lead the development and execution of fully integrated brand marketing campaigns, including digital and traditional channels, by leveraging proven practices, audience insights, test and learn strategies, and measurement to fuel effective marketing practices.
• Provide brand consultation to units across the University of Pittsburgh to support the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and promote alignment with the University’s brand guidelines and marketing programs.
• Leverage brand messages to enhance the national visibility of the University of Pittsburgh as well as ensuring internal brand alignment on collateral, video, web, and events for the University and its initiatives.
• Cultivate effective working partnerships across the University and with our agency partners

A successful brand manager will be:

• A proactive, self-starter who can tackle multiple priorities and projects concurrently.
• An effective collaborator who has an analytical, creative, inquisitive, and solution-oriented mindset, relying on metrics and data to inform, optimize, and improve marketing and communications efforts.
• A strategic, integrated thinker and connector who both inspires and brings together ideas, individuals, and plans to advance the University of Pittsburgh brand.
• Previous experience managing brands in highly complex corporate or non-profit environments; higher education experience a plus.

Drives the University brand through digital and marketing channels, communication tools, and integrated marketing campaigns. Grows University brand reputation through innovative solutions. Works with licensing to enforce brand guidelines and with vendors to ensure adherence.

• Lead development and execution of high-impact, differentiated integrated marketing campaigns in channels including, but not limited to, advertising, web, social media, print communications, and event activations. Coordinates development and implementation with internal teams and agency partner(s).
• Prepare campaign performance reports in collaboration with the UCM strategy and integration team, using key performance indicators to analyze return on investment. Develops and shares key insights/learning for current and future campaign optimization.
• Deliver brand and marketing communications counsel and support to high-profile institutional priorities and initiatives in collaboration with units and divisions across the University.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking of brand presentation and messaging and offers insights for continuous improvement.
• Develop out-of-the box solutions and strategies to grow brand reputation.
• Serve as the primary brand steward facilitating adoption of brand guidelines across the University by conducting training, consultation, and periodic compliance audits – following up as needed with relevant stakeholders.
• Review brand compliance approval requests from internal partners throughout the University. Works with licensing partners to manage and enforce brand guidelines.
• Build and cultivate relationships within UCM, across the University, and with outside constituents to manage and support the University’s brand and marketing campaigns.

Duties are primarily sedentary. Must be able to use a computer at a desk or similar workstation, and travel to on-campus meetings as needed.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.