Director of Community Relations

About the Division of University Relations.

The Division of University Relations represents an integrated approach to Communications (Brand, News, Media Relations and Strategic Communications) and Government Relations (Community, State and Federal). More than 80 University Relations team members collaborate with and provide support to the university leadership and to 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.

Learn more about our organization and explore other opportunities on our careers page.

The Opportunity

The Director of Community Relations reports to the Vice President for University Relations and will act as a proactive, responsive, high-profile liaison between Cornell University and local governments, community organizations and individuals on the many town-gown issues, challenges and opportunities that impact Cornell.

The Director will develop, foster, and maintain on-and-off-campus relationships and serve as a strategist for the Vice President for University Relations on a wide array of community-related issues.

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 in which to work and thrive. The successful candidate will spend at least three 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.

Compensation: The position will be offered at between $135,000-$150,000/annual and will be based on the final candidate's skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

These include, but are not limited:

• Developing and implementing a strategic plan for the office that aligns division and university priorities with those of the local community. Initiating strategic partnerships with other institutions and entities with interests similar to the university.
• Working directly with local public officials, other institutions and through associations and organizations to promote/lobby on a wide variety of topics and issues of concern to Cornell and higher education as they relate to the local community.
• Analyzing issues, implementing actions, and generating proposals for local governments to advance the university's mission. Advising and assisting in the formulation of university policies impacting the local community.
• Partnering with other Cornell and non-Cornell offices, boards, advisory bodies, schools, departments, central administration, other universities within New York State, and organizations and/or associations regarding research, extension, and higher education as regards to community relations. Analyzing and influencing actions of local governments to ensure productive collaborations. Informing leadership within University Relations, and more broadly across campus, of the local community's concerns and expectations of relations with Cornell; advising same leadership of appropriate actions.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality in all aspects of community relations.

What You Need

• Bachelor's degree with at least five to seven years' full time work experience in a college or university public relations or government relations operation setting or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Proven experience connecting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing practices to business goals.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills required.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with a research institution and ability to work in a complex decentralized environment.
• Experience serving on community leadership boards.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is situated in picturesque Ithaca, New York, the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca is home to two academic institutions, state parks, waterfalls, gorges, and a wide range of art galleries, theaters, eateries, wineries, and breweries. Ithaca has something to suit all ages and interests.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, vacation and paid 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.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is available for this position.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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

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. 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.

Minimum Salary: 31200.00 Maximum Salary: 31200.00 Salary Unit: Yearly