Communications Manager - College of Human Ecology

The College of Human Ecology Communications Office works passionately and collaboratively to improve the visibility and stature of the College of Human Ecology through strategic storytelling across multiple communication channels. The Communications Manager reports to the Assistant Dean for Communications and has primary responsibility for co-planning and implementing the college communications strategy. They also serve as lead editorial manager focused on meeting College-level visibility and engagement goals.

The Communications Manager will work collaboratively with the Asst. Dean of Communications to define and execute strategic communication plans. In this role, the Communications Manager will lead story-generating and earned media efforts to show the College's relevancy through news and other communication channels, including web, social, email marketing, print publications and marketing collateral, video and broadcast, public relations, event promotion/coverage, and digital display advertising. They will lead media relations for the College, collaborating with College faculty, staff, students, and alumni; and working in coordination with University Relations' Media Relations ("Media Relations") team, identify, generate and distribute news and feature stories about the College of Human Ecology and its related programs in priority news outlets. These stories include, but are not limited to, content highlighting the prominence of the College's teaching, research, public engagement, innovations, collaborations, conferences, awards, and student accomplishments; and they are aligned with the strategic goals and messaging established by College and University leadership.

In addition, the Communications Manager will:
*Foster ongoing relationships with faculty, administrators, staff, and students to keep current on key issues, current projects and accomplishments.
*Consult with internal College partners to develop, implement and evaluate strategies for their units.
*Oversee strategic planning, execution and maintenance of effective communication efforts with departments to reinforce College brand architecture and brand awareness.
*Create and maintain College editorial calendars to be shared with the communications team and in weekly College and University communications meetings.
*Work with the Media Relations team to tally, report and evaluate all media hits throughout the year for awareness and input; recommend and implement strategies for improvement
*Manage freelance writers and other internal or external talent hired for special projects for quality control and strategic alignment.
*Work with faculty and other academic staff to develop, craft, and recommend op-eds for national and regional media, working closely with the Media Relations team to pitch pieces to key outlets.
*Work with the Assistant Dean of Communications on the strategic planning and the development of innovative communication solutions to challenges and opportunities across the College and University.
*Plan and direct consistent and inclusive College communications meetings to cultivate and advance story leads as well as communications best practices.
*Develop and implement survey tools to analyze and modify communications tactics.
*Work with Assistant Dean for Communications to create and implement communications team-building activities.
*Promote the work of the College Communications Office and help to orient College staff and faculty to its strategies, responsibilities, and services.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented identities to apply.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 5-7 years of related experience.
• Exemplary written communication, editorial, and research skills.
• Experience developing and implementing short- and long-term strategic communication plans
• Prior experience following and generating story leads and conducting interviews to develop content.
• Knowledge of brand and news/media monitoring techniques and tools as well as media relations solutions.
• Proven track record for repurposing content across diverse communication channels and measuring success by establishing key performance indicators.
• Strong project management skills; ability to set priorities and organize work while handling multiple projects simultaneously; experience with Slack, Trello, Asana or other editorial/communications project management software.
• Creative problem solving and the ability to network and build positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals within the College and University.
• Proficiency with digital literacy, applications and platforms, including word processing, presentation, blogging, and web content management applications as well as social media platforms - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and others.
• Excellent relationship-building and presentation skills.
• Experience writing and distributing press releases and tip sheets, pitching story ideas, and telling the story of communications work.
• Knowledge of AP and Chicago Style writing and editing.
• Experience in analysis of measurement data to evaluate success of existing communications

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related discipline.
• Experience in higher education communications or in communications for complex organizations, including crisis communications.
• Experience working in a news room or advertising, marketing, or public relations firm.
• Writing for fundraising and advancement/development.
• Experience with website CMS, Constant Contact or other email marketing software, Salesforce or other Customer Relationship Manager (CRM).

Experience with media and broadcast production coaching.

University Job Title:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Company:

Contact Name:

Number of Openings:

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email at owdi@cornell.edu.

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.