Assistant Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing

Overview of This Opportunity
Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability seeks an Assistant Director for Strategic Communications and Marketing. From planning communication strategies and pitching ideas to writing and editing content and conducting media training for researchers, the Assistant Director will play a vital role in extending and amplifying the center's transformative research through the power of great stories and strong relationships.

This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with the possibility of extension based on available funding.

The position is located in Ithaca, New York, an active and diverse community. The successful candidate will work primarily on the campus of Cornell University with a possibility for hybrid remote work up to two days a week. Face-to-face meetings, interviews, and industry events necessitate occasional travel and the flexibility to work additional hours, including evening or weekend work.

Who We Are

Cornell Atkinson brings together passionate experts and innovators, theorists and practitioners, business leaders, and community members to deliver large-scale, long-term sustainability solutions.

By providing startup funding for cross-college collaborations, emergency research, and partnerships with nonprofits, government, and industry, Cornell Atkinson supports pioneering risk-takers at the very heart of radical collaboration through multiple funds and fellowship programs. Today, more than 650 faculty are affiliated as faculty fellows to form a community of researchers collaborating across critical sustainability areas such as food, energy, climate, and health.

Cornell Atkinson Marketing and Communications staff provide leadership and expertise in strategic communications and branding to raise the visibility of the center. We tell stories through a digital platform strategy that leverages campus partnerships and news media to reach key audiences, which include faculty, students, staff, alumni, external partners, and state and federal key influencers.

What You Will Do
As Assistant Director for Strategic Communications and Marketing, you will play a major role in communicating across a wide spectrum of internal and external outlets to strengthen the center's reputation among key audiences. With an understanding of industry trends and a passion for our sustainability mission, you will continually imagine new ways to share what Cornell Atkinson is doing and its local and global impacts. You will report to the Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing and partner with the Director to identify opportunities for shared messaging across the university and with external organizations.

You also will play a critical role in connecting the center to Cornell University's ecosystem of research and innovation. You and your communication colleagues share a mission to enhance and preserve the university's brand and reputation as a top research institution and a leader in higher education, and to support and promote critical programs that serve the university's teaching, research, and public engagement mission.

Communication services are carried out through a matrixed organizational system in which University Relations houses the departments of News (Cornell Chronicle), Media Relations (pitching and servicing media requests), Brand (cornell.edu, multimedia production, brand management and governance), Strategic Communications (communications plans, key messaging, social media management), and Cornellians (digital alumni publication). You will regularly collaborate with and consult University Relations departments in developing strategy, managing editorial calendars, and creating photo, video, and multimedia content.

Duties Include:

• Engaging frequently with Cornell Atkinson directors and faculty fellows to learn about current and proposed research
• Designing communication strategies that promote Cornell Atkinson through timely distribution of news and stories about our research and programs
• Creating a strategic and consistent voice across content that represents our brand
• Writing and editing content for a variety of platforms (blogs, social media, newsletters, press releases, etc.)
• Pitching and tracking stories in collaboration with University Relations
• Ensuring content is engaging and accessible and enforcing industry best practices and professional standards
• Collaborating with the Director to bring ideas to Media Relations, placing stories, and sharing requests for information and expert voices
• Hiring and managing student staff and engaging freelancers or vendors for design and other projects

What We Need
Your cover letter and resume are your first chance to demonstrate your skills as a communicator and storyteller. Tell us about your interest in this role and explain how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements below.

When reviewing your materials, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of related experience in journalism or public relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing
• Experience as a writer and publicist meeting deadlines and managing multiple projects
• Versatility as a writer with the ability to communicate scientific topics well using different approaches and media
• Ability to develop and cultivate positive working relationships with a wide variety of individuals
• Experience with multimedia/visual storytelling and third-party social networks
• Strong skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving

What We Prefer

Additionally, we would like to see evidence of:

• Experience working in an academic environment or communicating scientific topics to a general audience
• Experience with audio and video production, digital photography, and editing software
• Experience with content management systems, especially WordPress, and digital asset management systems
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office

Rewards and Benefits

Please note if applying:

• Cover letter and resume must be submitted.
• No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is available for this position.
• This is a full-time, 12-month fixed term position with benefits with the possibility of extension based on available funding.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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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.