Communications and Social Media Specialist – NREC

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Life insurance

Transit pass

Childcare support

Fitness center access

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) seeks a communications and social media specialist to manage internal communications, social channels, and outreach. You will collaborate with world-class robotics professionals to promote the NREC brand and share our work across websites, newsletters, and events.

This full-time role supports branding and marketing materials, leverages AI tools, develops multimedia content from field tests, and coordinates with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years in Marketing/Outreach.
• 1–3 years in Social-media.
• Excellent writing and teamwork.
• Experience using AI tools to generate content and graphics.
• Experience promoting a brand.
• Experience with photography and video.
• Ability to lead outreach projects and newsletters.
• Track record of increasing social media followers or traffic.
• Experience in robotics, high-technology and/or R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate and post content on NREC's social media pages regularly.
• Create news stories and press releases from internal and external sources.
• Support internal communications such as newsletters and announcements.
• Update content on the NREC website and project pages.
• Assist recruiting with branding, marketing materials, job postings.
• Leverage AI tools to improve efficiency.
• Capture photos/videos during field tests and events.
• Coordinate with university communications and marketing teams.
• Lead and organize NREC participation in trade shows.
• Host visitors and give tours when needed.
• Manage event communications and planning.
• Collect metrics to assess outreach effectiveness.

Skills

Marketing/Outreach experience

Social-media experience

Writing and communication

AI content generation

Graphics software

Brand promotion

Photography/Video

Outreach project leadership

Newsletter campaigns

Robotics familiarity

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Associate Degree with equivalent experience

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

InDesign

Illustrator

Job description

Communications and Social Media Specialist

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.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

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 Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts through your candidate profile. If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni. The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Prospective Employee Disclosures