Communication Specialist

The Division of University Relations represents an integrated approach to Communications (Brand, News, Media Relations and Strategic Communications) and Government Relations (Community, State and Federal). More than 60 University Relations communicators collaborate with and provide support to the colleges, schools and administrative units within the university. This includes promoting and raising the visibility of Cornell University to a wide variety of internal and external audiences in support of the university strategic priorities.

The Strategic Communications team enhances and promotes Cornell University’s reputation as a top research institution and leader in higher education by crafting messaging and implementing communications strategies. We directly support the university’s leadership to advance priorities and initiatives by bringing to life Cornell’s tangible, positive impacts on individuals, communities and the greater society. Leveraging the university’s primary communications platforms, including flagship website and social media channels, we ensure that key messages are delivered to internal and external audiences. 

Learn more about our organization and explore other opportunities on our careers page.

The Opportunity

The Communication Specialist (CS) will be responsible for planning, creating, and curating a variety of editorial content for central university websites and social media channels, as well as drafting and sending electronic newsletters and other campus-wide messages to key Cornell audiences (students, faculty, and staff). 

We highly value the importance that culture plays in the success of an organization and each hire should positively add to our culture and commit to effectively work and interact respectfully to foster a diverse and inclusive environment.

This is a full-time position located in Ithaca, NY, an active and diverse community to work and thrive in. The successful candidate will spend several days a week on Cornell’s campus in Ithaca. Fully remote work out of state or the region is not an option for this role.

Key Responsibilities

These include, but are not limited:

• Planning and crafting content for a variety of University Relations managed platforms and core campus audiences – including content for Cornell.edu priority pages and editorial assistance for Cornell’s main social media channels.
• Drafting, proofreading, editing, testing, and sending electronic newsletters and other digital-based communications.
• Composing and sending campus-wide mass messages, including during crisis communications scenarios and in response to sensitive issues.
• Writing and editing to support key messages and university positioning on important reputational issues.
• Managing project scope and attending meeting with university partners; providing regular updates on projects and priorities.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting on metrics for newsletters and other communications projects, as needed

If you have a desire to be part of a small, growing new business model with eagerness to develop the company culture, best practices and to meet and exceed industry standards of quality we encourage you to apply with your resume and cover letter.

What You Need

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism or related field, and a minimum of 2 to 4 years of related full time work experience or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Writing and editing experience: The successful candidate must be an experienced, talented writer and editor who can work on deadline in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects. Versatility as a writer; must be able to communicate well using various styles and media. Ability to edit communications for a variety of platforms, audiences, and stakeholders; familiarity with Associated Press Style guidelines. Prior experience in digital publication development and strong working knowledge of editorial processes.
• Communication and collaboration skills: Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a wide variety of individuals and stakeholders across the university. Successful experience as both an independent and team player is critical.
• Independence and judgment: Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in decision making, including setting, and managing priorities and meeting competing deadlines. Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality and present a strong service orientation.
• Flexibility and Multitasking: Flexibility in handling and prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously. Desire to work in a fast-paced environment and ability to adapt to changing priorities, as well as evolving technology platforms.
• Detail orientation: Must be detail oriented and highly analytical.
• Initiative: Frequently and appropriately demonstrates initiative.
• Computer skills: Candidates must have knowledge of and at least intermediate skill level with Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, Marketing Cloud content management system.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• This role requires occasional work on nights and weekends.

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, state parks, waterfalls, 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, wellbeing, 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 or relocation assistance is available for this position.

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:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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 Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

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, 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.