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Cornell University · 2 days ago

Public Relations and Development Director - Riverhead, NY

New York State (Other)

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$85K/yr - $90K/yr

Cornell University is seeking a Public Relations and Development Director for its Cooperative Extension Association of Suffolk County. The role involves planning and implementing public awareness and media relations strategies, managing fundraising activities, and overseeing marketing goals for the Association.

BiotechnologyHigher EducationMedicalUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing the public awareness, media, and governmental relations for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Suffolk County

Ensure that all program areas of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and their subject matter, program impacts and human-interest stories are kept before the public, press, elected officials, and decision-makers in Suffolk County

Cultivating and sustaining active professional networks with local and regional media outlets, reporters, editors, producers, and public information officers

Demonstrate the ability to translate highly technical, scientific, and policy-oriented expertise into clear, engaging messaging that resonates with mainstream and diverse audiences

Responsible for creating marketing goals for the Association and implementing them in a timely manner through mass media, e-newsletters, Association websites and social media outlets

Supervising the Marketing Specialist and volunteers

Provide liaison between print and electronic media for CCE Educators and serving as marketing and communications consultant to staff

Responsible for specific fundraising development activities as pertains to the entire Association

Leading or coordinating fundraising for private donations, requiring familiarity with modern fundraising strategies such as donor cultivation, sponsorship development, special events, annual campaigns, targeted solicitations, and digital giving

Support or co-lead grant development efforts, including identifying external funding opportunities and contributing to proposal narratives, impact statements, communications plans, stakeholder and partner engagement methods, and dissemination strategies across multiple CCE divisions

Qualification

Media relationsFundraising strategiesGrant writingMarketing communicationsDigital content strategyAnalytics toolsDiverse stakeholder engagementCrisis communicationsSupervising staffNonprofit developmentPublic issue responseTeam collaborationEffective communication

Required

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Management, Journalism or related field. An associate degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field, plus two years transferable program/functional experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree

Demonstrated experience building and managing media relations, including established relationships with local press, producers, and reporters

Ability to meet regular travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required

Ability to meet acceptable background check requirements

Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate

Ability to effectively direct, manage and coordinate the Association public affairs direction and efforts

Ability to effectively direct, manage and coordinate the Association financials including but not limited to fundraising and successful grant research, writing and management

Ability to work with diverse stakeholders

Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Constant Contact, Canva, client relations management database, internet software and social media platforms

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts

Ability to effectively market the Association and regional events including through the use of social media

Preferred

Demonstrated experience communicating scientific or technical subject matter to public audiences (e.g., agriculture, marine science, nutrition, environmental issues, energy, climate)

Experience developing integrated communications campaigns that use both earned and paid media, digital content strategy, and measurable engagement outcomes

Demonstrated ability to plan and execute private fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation and stewardship, sponsorship acquisition, event-based fundraising, direct appeals, and digital fundraising campaigns; ability to evaluate fundraising effectiveness using modern performance measures (e.g., cost-per-dollar-raised, donor retention, conversion rates, engagement metrics)

Strong writing portfolio including press releases, long-form storytelling, newsletters, donor communications, and web/digital content

Experience in crisis communications, public issue response, or reputation management

Familiarity with nonprofit development practices, donor stewardship, and fundraising performance metrics

Experience supervising staff or leading multi-stakeholder teams

Demonstrated ability to use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights, email campaign dashboards) to guide strategy

Experience in government relations or communicating with elected officials and public agencies