Marion Schmidt takes on the newly created position of Chief Communication Officer (CCO) at the Extended University Executive Board as of August 1

TU Dresden is linking communication to the strategic development of the university and is appointing her to the new position of Chief Communication Officer (CCO) at the Extended University Executive Board, beginning on August 1. In doing so, TU Dresden has broken the mold and is a pioneer amongst German universities: It is one of only three universities to date that have anchored communication as an area of responsibility at university management level. With this position, "TU Dresden is underlining the high strategic importance of communication in the science system," says Rector Prof. Ursula M. Staudinger. "We consider communication to be a highly relevant factor in the development and implementation of the strategic goals of the University Executive Board."

Marion Schmidt, a trained journalist and science manager, has been recruited to head the newly created position. She used to work as an education and science editor for renowned print media such as "Süddeutsche Zeitung", "Financial Times Deutschland" and "DIE ZEIT". In her last position, she headed the communications department of the COGNOS education group as well as the communications department at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences. Moreover, Marion Schmidt has been working as a moderator for many years, and in this capacity has accompanied a number of strategic processes at German universities.

"We are delighted that we have been able to garner Marion Schmidt as our new CCO at TU Dresden. She is a highly experienced management personality with extensive expertise in all areas of communication," says Rector Staudinger. "In collaboration with her team in Directorate 7, she will strengthen the visibility and reputation of TU Dresden through strategic communication, in order to bolster the national and international competitiveness of the university in the long term." As one of her core tasks, the CCO will enhance the university's communication and marketing strategy. In doing so, she will also reinforce science communication, e.g. through new forms of dialogue and participation as well as through the use of digital media.

"TU Dresden is one of the best performing universities in Germany and makes valuable contributions to solving global challenges," Marion Schmidt emphasizes. "Through strategic communication, these achievements can be made even more visible to the various partners in science, society and politics. It is with great pleasure that I will work alongside my team in Directorate 7 and the members of TUD to develop the university into a brand that stands for cosmopolitanism, credibility and excellence in research and teaching."