Outreach and Engagement Specialist
About The Position
The Division of University Relations represents an integrated approach to Government Relations (Community, State, Federal), Brand, News, Media Relations, and Strategic Communications. More than 50 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 mission of the Office of Community Relations is to connect the Ithaca campus to the Greater Ithaca community and to support and develop proactive partnerships to advance shared challenges and opportunities in one of America’s great college towns. Our Community Relations staff works with community and campus leaders on matters of mutual interest on several issues tied to the quality of life across Tompkins County —including area infrastructure, sustainability, public schools, economic development, transportation, housing, diversity, and planning. Our goals revolve around timely sharing of information and a daily focus on accessibility, transparency, and partnership. Cornell is proud that Ithaca is its home community.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 3 to 5 years of relevant full-time work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Core competencies include project management, planning/coordination skills, relationship building, communication, and organizational and political acumen.
- Ability to provide direction and oversight regarding setup, cadence/timeline, execution, and reporting of projects; manage and track progress and communication needs on a regular basis.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects and priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.
- Ability to research, gather data, develop reports for internal and external use.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to synthesize information for internal and external audiences using various tools including email, website, social media, newsletter, print materials/PDFs.
- Demonstrated experience and accuracy with Microsoft products.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule: e.g., occasional work on nights and weekends at on- and off-campus locations.
- Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Responsibilities
- Supports Cornell's local government and community relations efforts by managing partnerships, projects, and engagement initiatives with municipalities, nonprofits, regional organizations, and campus stakeholders.
- Strengthens community relationships, coordinates outreach opportunities, communicates Cornell's local and regional impact, and supports strategic community investment goals.
- Project management, stakeholder engagement, impact storytelling, newsletter and communications development, and preparing reports that demonstrate Cornell's contributions as New York's land-grant institution.
- Manage confidential and time-sensitive matters.
- Connect external partners to appropriate Cornell resources.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
