Associate Director, Communications

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive benefits package

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking an Associate Director, Communications to partner with the Division of Enrollment and oversee communications for prospective students, applicants, counselors, and alumni. The role drives social media, video strategy, and print collateral while leveraging Slate CRM and data-driven insights.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3+ years of experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently or with teams.

Qualifications

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Responsibilities

• Manage social media for the Undergraduate Admissions Office (UAO).
• Devise a video strategy and manage 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.

Skills

Problem solving

Organization skills

Research and analysis

Social media marketing

Video project leadership

Independent and collaborative

Verbal and written communication

Data privacy compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/English/Journalism/Public Relations

Tools

Slate CRM

Social media management tools

Job description

Associate Director, Communications

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.

What We Need

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• Candidate must be willing and able to work select evenings and weekends.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on-campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award‑winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• 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: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 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. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
• 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. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

EEO Statement

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026‑08‑17

About Us

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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far‑flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.

Salary: $74,177.00 - $86,205.00