Strategic Development and Operations (SD&O) is the unit of Pitt Dental Medicine that is responsible for advancing strategic initiatives that are critical to the future success of the School. In addition, the team in SD&O works to:
- promote and enhance the School’s brand;
- build and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, and friends;
- and improve operating efficiencies through effective management and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
Dr. Jim Earle, Vice Dean of Operations, directs this office that includes Marketing and Communications, Alumni Relations and Development, and Facilities Management.
Marketing and Communications oversees all branding, marketing, patient marketing, and communications for Pitt Dental Medicine. This effort includes creating and distributing press releases, managing social media accounts, producing monthly School newsletters, publishing the bi-annual Pitt Dental Medicine magazine, and developing creative marketing and branding promotions to attract patients and enhance the brand of the School.
Alumni Relations and Development is responsible for establishing positive relationships with our current students and engaging them when they become proud alumni so they stay engaged with the School. The team communicates with our alumni through in-person visits, email, social media, and the alumni newsletter that is sent out via email every other month. Alumni Relations and Development also hosts many events throughout the year, such as, Alumni Weekend, the Dean’s Scholarship Ball, Dean’s Town Hall events, and many receptions at conferences across the country. In addition to these relationship building initiatives, Alumni Relations and Development is responsible for connecting with alumni and friends of Pitt Dental Medicine to help them match their passion for philanthropy with the needs of the School. Development works with donors to provide gifts to the School to support student scholarships and operational improvements. Alumni and friends give to Pitt Dental Medicine’s annual fund, but also to special projects and initiatives to enhance the School and secure our continued success.
Facilities Management is responsible for overseeing all equipment and facilities within the School. This includes procurement of new and replacement equipment, routine and preventative maintenance on all equipment, emergency response to building and equipment critical issues, and maintenance of the School’s offices, research, and clinical operations in Salk Hall. The Facilities Manager is a member of the Infection Control Committee and chairs the School’s Safety Committee.
Talent Management oversees all faculty and staff recruitment and onboarding efforts at Pitt Dental Medicine to ensure a positive and seamless employee experience. Additionally, talent management develops initiatives to support and improve the skills, knowledge, and competencies for both faculty and staff, among other retention efforts.
Business and Finance is a resource for all financial matters within Pitt Dental Medicine. This includes the creation and monitoring of the School's budget as well as managing all payroll actions. The office also services as an initial contact for human resource-related issues and can guide employees to the appropriate campus-wide human resources personnel as needed.