Assistant Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships

Columbia University Irving Medical Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University Irving Medical Center seeks an Assistant Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships to lead an integrated communications strategy for the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC). You will oversee editorial planning, digital and print content, media relations, and engagement to advance research, clinical excellence, and donor relations.

You will partner with CUIMC and NYP, manage strategic communications initiatives, and guide high-profile events while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; minimum 5 years related experience.
• Preferred: Master's or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in academic medicine, healthcare, biomedical research, or nonprofit organizations is a plus.
• Familiarity with philanthropy and donor communications is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with HICCC's vision, mission, and priorities.
• Lead editorial calendar and content development across editorial, digital, and print channels.
• Oversee publications including internal newsletters, external magazines, and donor communications.
• Coordinate media relations and secure media placements; promote research and clinical milestones.
• Plan and manage events and engagement, including conferences and educational programs.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with external organizations and donor relations teams.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with CUIMC, NYP, and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic communication

Editorial leadership

Executive communications

Media relations

Digital communications

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic partnership development

Event communications

Project management

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Organizational leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's or advanced degree preferred

Tools

Content Management Systems (CMS)

Digital Analytics

Email Marketing Platforms

Graphic Design Tools

Job description

Grade 106

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $135,000-$150,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships is responsible for leading the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy that advances the mission, visibility, and strategic priorities of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC). This position oversees editorial planning, digital and print communications, media relations, promotion, strategic partnerships, and high-profile events while ensuring consistent messaging across institutional, regional, and national audiences.

Working closely with HICCC leadership and faculty, and partnering with Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia University, and NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP), the Assistant Director develops compelling content, promotes research and clinical excellence, supports institutional initiatives, and strengthens the center’s reputation through strategic communications and engagement.

The Assistant Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships reports directly to the HICCC's Associate Director for Administration. The position works in close collaboration with HICCC executive leadership, faculty, development, community engagement, research administration, and institutional communications partners across Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, and NewYork-Presbyterian.

Responsibilities

Communications

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with HICCC's vision, mission and guiding priorities.
• Lead the development and maintenance of the editorial and communications calendar.
• Oversee production of high-quality written content, including feature articles, patient stories, investigator profiles, and leadership messaging.
• Oversee content strategy and management for the HICCC website, Newsroom and blogs ensuring timely, accurate, and engaging information.
• Coordinate content for HICCC digital signage and digital boards.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication platforms.

Publications and Editorial Management

• Manage production of internal newsletters that communicate organizational initiatives, faculty accomplishments, member resources and institutional updates.
• Lead development of external newsletters and magazines for patients, donors, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Maintain editorial standards, quality assurance, and publication schedules across all communications products.

Media Relations and Promotional Management

• Identify opportunities for earned media coverage and collaborate with institutional media relations teams to secure media placement.
• Promote faculty achievements, including high-impact publications, conference presentations, awards, grants, and clinical trial milestones.
• Develop promotional materials highlighting HICCC research, clinical innovation, and educational programs including presentations, brochures, annual reports, and fact sheets.

Events and Engagement

• Support planning and communications for faculty retreats, strategic working groups, and organizational planning sessions.
• Develop communications and promotional materials for signature events, scientific symposia, lectures, conferences, and educational events.
• Coordinate communications for executive meetings including External and Internal Advisory Boards.

Strategic Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with external healthcare and scientific organizations, professional societies, media partners, and advocacy groups.
• Support leadership in identifying and cultivating new strategic partnerships that advance HICCC's research, clinical, education, and community engagement missions.
• Partner with the CUIMC Office of Development to create donor communications, stewardship materials, impact reports, and campaign messaging.
• Develop stories that demonstrate philanthropic impact and showcase research and patient care accomplishments.
• Support fundraising initiatives through strategic communications and event promotion.

Core Competencies

• Strategic communication and messaging
• Editorial leadership and content strategy
• Executive communications
• Media relations and public affairs
• Digital communications and social media
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic partnership development
• Event communications
• Project and stakeholder management
• Analytical thinking and performance measurement
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Organizational leadership and relationship building

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required plus 5 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in academic medicine, healthcare, biomedical research, or nonprofit organizations.
• Familiarity with philanthropy and donor communications.
• Knowledge of content management systems, digital analytics, email marketing platforms, and graphic design collaboration.

Other Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, healthcare marketing, academic medicine, or a related environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience managing digital communications, websites, newsletters, and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated success in media relations and strategic communications planning.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience working collaboratively across complex organizations and with executive leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

Other Requirements

• Strategic communication and messaging
• Editorial leadership and content strategy
• Executive communications
• Media relations and public affairs
• Digital communications and social media
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic partnership development
• Event communications
• Project and stakeholder management
• Analytical thinking and performance measurement
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Organizational leadership and relationship building