Communications Specialist

• Job Type : Officer of Administration
• Regular / Temporary : Regular
• Hours Per Week : 35
• Salary Range : $63,700- $73,300

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 Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD) is an interdisciplinary institute located on the Morningside Heights campus of Columbia University and focused on the interplay between mathematical sciences and cancer research.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, Outreach and Communication, the Communications Specialist will work with multiple stakeholders - including faculty, research scholars, staff, and other communication teams - to provide strategic guidance on communication efforts and increase the impact and visibility of the Institute's research and outreach initiatives.

The Communications Specialist will utilize various communication strategies and tools to disseminate research highlights, news, events / programs, and other resources through appropriate channels to targeted audiences.

Responsibilities

Writing / Editing / Content Development / Email Marketing

• Contribute to the writing, editing, proofreading, and production of IICD internal and public-facing materials, including newsletters, website, social media content, print materials, brochures, and other communications.
• Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, Outreach and Communications, write and edit stories for the website, newsletter, and other communications.
• Identify and create content for the IICD newsletter and manage its distribution and subscribers list.
• Assist in the design and management of event / program notices, invitations, flyers, and other promotional materials. Manage its distribution online and / or in print to internal and external partners.
• Coordinate with various internal and external partners - including faculty, staff, communication teams, and others - to create, write, edit, review, publish, and cross-promote stories, events, and other cooperative ventures.
• Ensure brand consistency across all IICD materials and communications.

Social Media / Web

• Contribute to the digital content on the IICD website and related websites.
• Update all the IICD social media accounts, including (but not limited to) Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Develop additional social media channels as needed.
• Identify and create content and social media campaigns for all the IICD channels.
• Track, report, and analyze website and social media analytics to recommend and implement digital strategies into the Institute communication efforts to maximize our visibility and grow followers and engagement on the website and all social media channels.

Miscellaneous

• Maintain all the Institute mailing lists.
• Assist with general program administration as it relates to communications, online and print publications, and events.
• Assist with the organization of programs and events, including in-person / virtual guest registration, calendar events, logistics, post-event communications and evaluations.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (preferably in communications, marketing, journalism, or other related fields) with two to four years of related experience.
• The successful candidate must be able to work as part of a small team as well as independently.
• Must be detail-oriented and self-starter able to work with minimal supervision in a fast pace and deadline-driven environment.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal, project management, oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent digital skills. Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp or similar platforms, Eventbrite, various website content management and social media platforms.
• Experience planning, writing, editing, and producing newsletters, social media campaigns, reports, memos, and other various communication materials.
• Experience with tracking, reporting, and analyzing website and social media analytics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education academic setting.
• Previous experience working in science communications.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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