Associate Director, Communications

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Communications will interface directly with various offices within the Division of Enrollment – which includes financial aid, registrar, and undergraduate admissions – as well as other areas of the University, to develop creative and compelling ways to share important information with prospective students and influencers as well as current and former students. In partnership with the Director of Enrollment Communications, the Associate Director, Communications will manage, plan, and implement our communications strategy for students throughout the enrollment lifecycle, including outreach to prospective students, applicants, school counselors, student supporters, enrolled students, and alumni. The Associate Director, Communications will be responsible for researching and analyzing communications technology used within the Division of Enrollment, peer and competitor trends, and audience insights; managing various time-limited and ongoing communications projects; and recommending communication strategies to connect to the division’s mission, goals, and priorities. The Associate Director, Communications’ specific portfolio of work will include: Managing social media for the Undergraduate Admissions Office (UAO). Working with the Director of Enrollment Communications to devise a video strategy and manage individual video projects. Coordinating new print projects and annual updates for existing print collateral across the division. The Associate Director, Communications will also learn how to build emails and queries in UAO’s Slate instance. Please note that this position is cross-posted as an Enrollment Communications Specialist (Communications Specialist II); only one role will be hired. Applicants to both listings will be considered, and the successful candidate will be offered the role at the level which best matches their experience and skillset.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field and at least 3 years or more of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate challenges and obstacles effectively.
Strong organizational skills with ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Strong research and analysis skills; ability to translate market research and data into actionable insights.
Experience with social media marketing and knowledge of current social media trends and best practices.
Experience leading video projects for use across various communications channels.
Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively.
Ability to provide exceptional service to partners.
Ability to learn and apply institutional brand standards consistently.
Ability to shepherd projects from ideation to completion.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to a variety of stakeholders.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
Demonstrate understanding and operate in compliance with federal, state and university data privacy and security regulations, policies, and best practices relating to the access and use of student records.
Demonstrate understanding and operate in alignment with university policies and procedures to ensure legal and ethical admissions operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a higher education setting.
Experience with social media management tools.
Experience in Slate CRM, specifically in building queries and/or Deliver emails.
Experience with enrollment marketing.

Responsibilities

Manage, plan, and implement communications strategy for students throughout the enrollment lifecycle.
Research and analyze communications technology, peer and competitor trends, and audience insights.
Manage various time-limited and ongoing communications projects.
Recommend communication strategies to connect to the division’s mission, goals, and priorities.
Manage social media for the Undergraduate Admissions Office (UAO).
Devise a video strategy and manage individual video projects.
Coordinate new print projects and annual updates for existing print collateral across the division.
Learn to build emails and queries in UAO’s Slate instance.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 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.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program