Communications Specialist - NYC

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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options.

Cornell Human Ecology explores the complexity of human life. We bring together a wide range of perspectives to understand the full context of the human experience and improve lives at every scale, from cells to society. Our research and academic programs focus on the interaction of humans with their biological, economic, social and physical environments. Using Cornell's far-reaching extension network and the college's translational research methods, we deliver our findings directly to communities and families, ensuring that our work reaches those who need it most.

Cornell Human Ecology explores the complexity of human life. We bring together a wide range of perspectives to understand the full context of the human experience and improve lives at every scale, from cells to society. Our research and academic programs focus on the interaction of humans with their biological, economic, social and physical environments. Using Cornell's far-reaching extension network and the college's translational research methods, we deliver our findings directly to communities and families, ensuring that our work reaches those who need it most.

The Communications Specialist is a critical role within the CHE in NYC team, working closely with the Associate Dean for CHE in NYC, and the Assistant Dean for Communications in the College of Human Ecology. The person in this role must demonstrate experience in developing communications strategy, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and creating compelling content.

They will be responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining effective communications strategies that raise the visibility of Cornell Human Ecology (CHE) departments/units and initiatives in New York City (NYC), including the Cornell University Cooperative Extension-NYC Programs (CUCE-NYC; ~25% of the time) and the Action Research Collaborative (ARC; 25% of the time). The communications specialist will serve as a liaison between CHE and CUCE-NYC and ARC, as well as other Cornell units such as the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), and University communications, media relations, and government relations teams.

These responsibilities are critical to CHE's ability to advance its vision, develop strategic partnerships, build visibility and engagement, and attract funding and resources for the benefit of the College and its constituencies.

This position jointly reports to the Associate Dean of CHE in NYC (primary supervisor) and to the CHE Assistant Dean for Communications in Ithaca. While this position is based in New York City, the incumbent will travel to Ithaca two times per year for communications professional development within CHE and across the Cornell communications network.

This is a hybrid position with the expectation of working up to 2 day per week remotely and 3 days per week in person in the office located at 570 Lexington Ave., New York, NY. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. There may be occasional work after hours and on weekends (i.e., special events). No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

What You Will Do

• Create, implement, and maintain effective communications strategies that raise the visibility of Cornell Human Ecology (CHE) departments/units and initiatives in New York City (NYC).
• Lead storytelling and media relations for CHE in NYC -- collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and community partners -- and work in coordination with Cornell Human Ecology's Communications Team to highlight the College's research, public engagement, collaborations, awards, conferences, teaching and student accomplishments in NYC, all aligned with strategic goals and messaging established by Leadership.
• Identify, generate, and distribute news and feature stories about CHE in NYC and its related projects and programs in priority news outlets -- in coordination with the Cornell Human Ecology Communications Team and the University's Media Relations Team.
• Serve as a liaison between CHE and CUCE-NYC and ARC, as well as other Cornell units such as the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), and University communications, media relations, and government relations teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong writing and editing abilities.
• Experience creating strategy, content, and managing social media accounts and websites.
• Ability to develop and disseminate effective email campaigns.
• Experience in building and growing communications audiences across platforms.
• Experience in building communications metrics to quantify audience engagement and impact.
• Positive, proactive, "can-do" personality and natural ability to build good rapport with team members and employees across teams.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and/or familiarity with Associated Press style.
• Graphic design experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office
• Multilingual (for example: Spanish, Chinese, and/or other languages widely spoken in NYC).

TO APPLY: For full consideration for this position, a cover letter and a resume highlighting your experience and interest in the role are required.

Benefits:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We're an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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