Communications and Social Media Specialist - NREC

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), every team member plays a vital role in our collective success. Members of our support staff work closely with leadership, technical experts, and one another to keep daily operations running smoothly and projects progressing efficiently. Whether providing technical or operational support, both internally and externally, coordinating events, managing resources, assisting with logistics, or delivering essential administrative services, each contribution is critical to achieving our shared goals.

As part of our versatile team, you will collaborate with world-class robotics professionals who tackle complex industrial and government challenges and deploy innovative technologies into real-world operations. Your efforts will have a direct impact on both the efficiency of our operations and the meaningful projects we advance. We foster a culture grounded in integrity, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible, supportive environment that promotes work-life balance and empowers you to take control of your career development.

We are seeking a dynamic Communications and Social Media Specialist to support our organization with internal communications, social media, web site, branding, and outreach. This exciting opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, engaging environment. This position is part of our business development team and reports to the Associate Director. In that role, you will play a vital part in advancing the NREC brand and its recognition as a world leader in robotics.

Your primary responsibilities are to:

• Generate and post content on NREC's social media pages on a regular basis.
• Generate content from internal and external sources for news stories and press releases (text and photos).
• Support NREC's Management with internal communications such as quarterly newsletters, official announcements, etc.
• Update content on our website (e.g. posting news stories, updating videos/graphics, adding project pages, updating job postings, etc.)
• Support our recruiting team with branding, marketing material, social media, job postings, etc.
• Leverage AI tools to make your work more efficient.
• Accompany our technical team to field tests to collect photos and videos, and generate multimedia material for test reports and presentations.
• Interact with communications and marketing personnel at the university and school of computer science.
• Lead and organize NREC's participation in trade shows (usually once or twice a year)
• On occasions, host visitors and give tours of our facilities, as a representative of the entire NREC organization.
• Lead event communications and support the planning of these events.
• Support large group visits with the business development team.
• Use communication tools to gather metrics/data on effectiveness of operations.
• Generate ideas on how to improve NREC's image, presence, and branding.
• Generate graphics material for posters, flyers, banners, proposals and other printed materials.
• Update and maintain all outreach material within NREC that are visible by visitors (posters, banners, monitors and displays with videos, etc.)
• Design other material for NREC staff such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. and manage these mini projects from start to finish.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree with equivalent experience.
• 1-3 yrs. - Marketing/Outreach experience.
• 1-3 yrs. - Social-media experience.
• Excellent writing, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Experience with using AI tools to generate content and graphics.
• Experience with a prevalent graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign or Illustrator.
• Demonstrated abilities to help promote the brand of an organization.
• Experience with photographic equipment and the skills and experience for taking high-quality photos and videos.
• Able to lead, coordinate, and execute outreach projects and newsletter campaign from start to finish.

Note: The position may require taking photos and/or videos during special events at NREC (e.g. group visits, program reviews, VIP visitors) or during field tests for specific projects. These events may happen during evenings, weekends or require travel.

We especially want to hear from you if you have experience or qualifications in any of the following areas:

• Track record of significant increases in social media followers and/or traffic.
• Experience in robotics, high-technology and/or R&D environment.

Other Requirements:

• Successful pre-employment background check
• 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.

This position will require supporting a variety of projects, including projects that involve military/defense applications and/or are funded by military/defense sponsors.

Are you interested in joining our versatile team at NREC, where you will play a vital role in operations and contribute to meaningful projects? Join a collaborative team where you will work with experts and build your career by supporting the teams that develop and deploy ground breaking technologies in real-world operations.

Why NREC?

At NREC, you will help support the robotics revolution by contributing to projects across multiple fields. Working alongside top robotics experts, you will help ensure smooth operations and see the real impact of your contributions in the field.

NREC at a Glance:

• Located in Pittsburgh or "Roboburgh", a hub for over 120+ robotics companies
• 30+ years of pioneering robotics research
• 150+ professionals driving innovation and real-world impact
• Part of Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute, a global leader in robotics

NREC also leads in educational outreach through its Robotics Academy, which develops curricula and software for K-12 and college-level students. You will also have opportunities to engage with these student groups through outreach activities.

As part of our team, you will have the flexibility to grow your career by building expertise, supporting high impact initiatives, collaborating with others, and contributing as part of a high performing team - all while enjoying a supportive schedule and maintaining work/life balance.

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:

• 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