Communications Specialist II Department of Animal Science

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

Communications Specialist II
Band E - Exempt
Department of Animal Science
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented identities to apply.

CALS is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

The Department of Animal Science's mission is to discover and disseminate new knowledge about the biology and management of domestic animals and to apply this knowledge to benefit society. Our department is devoted to undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, extension and outreach.

What You Will Do

You will collaborate with others to develop marketing communication strategies, uniting Animal Science's mission, goals, priorities, and accomplishments to internal and external audiences. In addition, you will maintain effective communication efforts with departments to reinforce and enhance brand awareness. Assist with multimedia projects to bolster project narratives and educate the broader public on animal science. Specific duties include:

• Assisting in creating a storytelling culture around innovation in agri-food systems, life science breakthroughs, and holistic climate solutions.
• Guiding a team of students and interns to contribute to content development, events, and strategic communications.
• Assisting in developing a brand awareness that is in alignment with the college/unit and University's strategic vision and mission.
• Designing digital and print publications, newsletters, signage, reports, leave-behinds, and other marketing collateral.
• Assisting with developing and formalizing project requirements.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. You will collaborate with other communication professionals within the University. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field and 2+ years relevant experience in a communication-related field as a content producer, marketing professional, communications coordinator, journalist, or writer or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated experience in building positive relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders across the University and externally with collaborators, funders, and media outlets.
• Versatility as a writer and editor; must be able to communicate well using multiple media styles.
• Knowledge in publication development.
• Knowledge of the creative production process, solution-finding, and collaboration experience.
• Aptitude to changing priorities, as well as comfort with evolving technology platforms.
• Knowledge of how to balance conflicting priorities, make informed decisions, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.
• Experience managing multiple projects, schedules, and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proven experience in working independently and as a team player.
• Experience in leading lead team members with empathy, collaboration, and empowerment.
• Experience recognizing different points of view and building consensus.
• Proven experience in advancing initiatives and building team respect.
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Rush, Lightroom, Premiere Pro), and database software (Notion).
• Experience with photography (e.g., working with professional-grade cameras, directing large photo libraries, and bulk photo editing).
• Familiarity with AP Style guidelines.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Demonstrated experience and comprehension of digital marketing and measurement tools with an eye for web, digital trends, and innovations.
• Knowledge in visual communication images, video, design, infographics, and presentations).
• Aptitude to become familiar with Cornell University protocols and platforms, Media Relations, and CALS communications processes.
• Experience working in the field of agriculture and animal science.
• Comfort working around animals.
• Experience in recruiting and mentoring students and interns.
• Proven knowledge of how to work as a team member with various staff, faculty, students, and community contacts to achieve common goals of projects and programs.

This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State two days a week; an on-site presence in Ithaca is required three days a week.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.

EEO Statement

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.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

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Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. 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.