Communications Specialist

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.