Communications Strategist

About the Division of University Relations

The Division of University Relations represents an integrated approach to Communications (Brand Communications, News, Media Relations, and Strategic Communications) and Government Relations (Community, State, and Federal). More than 50 University Relations communicators collaborate with and provide support to the colleges, schools, and administrative units within the university.

The Strategic Communications team works with partners across the institution to align our university-level priorities and identity with those of the colleges, schools, and units so that together we can advance Cornell's mission of education, research, and public engagement.

The Opportunity

The Communications Strategist (CS) will leverage division and university resources to raise the visibility of Cornell University around the world. The CS works with the Senior Director of Strategic Communications, other University Relations (UR) communications and government relations teams, and university stakeholders to develop and execute communications plans and strategies to promote Cornell's accomplishments and initiatives to internal and external audiences through existing and emerging communications channels.

Key Responsibilities

These include, but are not limited to:

• Developing messaging to protect and promote Cornell's reputation, including briefings, talking points, FAQs, statements and mass email messages, and web/social media content.
• Contributing to the Strategic Communications team's work to draft, build, test, and disseminate university-wide emails and newsletters.
• Creating and/or editing content for university digital platforms (web and social media).
• Partnering with administrative units to evaluate communication needs, provide guidance, and design and implement strategic solutions in line with university and UR priorities.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting on performance metrics, as appropriate.

This is a full-time position located in Ithaca, NY, an active and diverse community in which to work and thrive. This is an on-campus position, and the selected candidate will be expected to reside in or relocate to the area; there is no relocation assistance provided. Remote work out of the state or the region is not an option for this role.

Compensation: The position will be offered at between $74,000 - $78,000/annual and will be based on the final candidate's skills and experience.

What You Need

• Bachelor's degree and at least three to five years of full-time work experience in journalism/PR/corporate or higher ed communications or related fields.
• Excellent written and verbal skills, including strong editing skills.
• Proven ability to set and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; comfort with ambiguity and changing information and translating into timely, clear, and actionable strategies.
• Proven ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
• Maintain polished and organized communications throughout the project cycle for large and ongoing initiatives; shepherd communications plans from start to finish.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is situated in picturesque Ithaca, New York, the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca is home to two academic institutions, several state parks, waterfalls, and gorges, and a wide range of art galleries, theaters, eateries, wineries, and breweries. Ithaca has something to suit all ages and interests.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, vacation and paid holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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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

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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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.