Communications Associate/Senior Communications Associate, External Affairs
About The Position
The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG) is a good governance think-and-do tank driven by the idea that data-informed approaches can measurably improve the way government and public institutions operate, equitably serve all constituents, and ultimately solve social policy problems. ISLG provides the knowledge and action needed to fuel these approaches through research, policies, partnerships, and infrastructures. The institute is committed to fostering an office environment that welcomes diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and aims to recruit and retain staff diverse in terms of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic status, disability, and justice system involvement. This role is for an External Affairs Associate to join the communications department at either the Associate (4-6 years of relevant experience) or Senior Associate (7+ years of relevant experience) level. The position involves messaging development, media relations, and digital promotion, playing a critical role in growing the Institute's impact by reaching key audiences. It is an opportunity for an entrepreneurial and civic-minded professional experienced in communicating public policy research and programs. The role will facilitate the dissemination of reports, briefs, and updates, and encourage creative promotion of ISLG's work. The External Affairs Associate will report to the Communications Project Director (CPD) and collaborate with communications staff, research and policy staff, and colleagues across the organization.
Requirements
- BA or higher (or equivalent experience) and 4+ years of demonstrated relevant professional experience in policy communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
- Associate: 4-6 years of relevant experience.
- Senior Associate: 7+ years of relevant experience.
- Strong writing skills, including experience drafting press releases and other release-related content.
- Familiarity with the New York public policy and media landscape and its reporters, outlets, and channels, as well as an understanding of relevant national outlets.
- Senior Associate: Demonstrated relationships with and have had placements within relevant outlets.
- Experience tracking media mentions and measuring the impact of outreach.
- Experience managing social media accounts, including content planning and creation.
- Excellent time management skills and experience working in deadline-driven environments.
- Ability to prioritize and work on a number of tasks simultaneously.
- Exceptional commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with media monitoring tools/platforms, Google Analytics, and social media planning platforms (Buffer, etc.).
Nice To Haves
- Potential candidates with some, but not all, of the listed experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Welcome a range of traditional and non-traditional backgrounds as well as opportunities to develop skillsets on the job.
Responsibilities
- Work with Communications colleagues and project teams to develop key messaging on external-facing publications that reinforce project and organizational priorities.
- Guide and manage the release planning for CUNY ISLG products, including crafting talking points, designing outreach plans (traditional media, new media, events, government and community partners), and drafting press releases.
- Develop and maintain relationships with relevant outlets, reporters, community partners, and others who can amplify CUNY ISLG’s work.
- Identify and support speaking, writing, and other opportunities (e.g., events, panels, op-eds) to highlight ISLG’s staff and impact, and work with staff at all levels to prepare.
- Manage CUNY ISLG’s social media strategies, including developing and posting project-related content, relevant news stories, and other posts promoting CUNY ISLG’s projects and messaging to Bluesky, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook accounts.
- Create graphics (i.e., on Canva) as needed for social media.
- Monitor and report on analytics data that measures outreach impact.
- Identify and lead opportunities to improve or refine ISLG’s digital footprint as it relates to messaging reach.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance
- Paid vacation and personal days
- Paid sick leave
- CUNY tuition reimbursement program
- Pre-tax benefits for transit and healthcare costs
- Family/parental leave
- Life insurance
- A retirement plan with employer contribution
- A positive work/life balance
- Opportunities for advancement within the organization
- Engagement with the broader CUNY network
- Working with organizational leadership who have years of significant public sector and policymaking expertise
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
