Communications and College Relations Director - Dean's Office

Job ID

Location

CUNY School of Medicine

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

POSITION DETAILS

The CUNY School of Medicine (CUNY SoM) at The City College of New York (CCNY) located in the heart of Harlem, is the only medical school in the City University of New York system and the only public medical school in Manhattan. Building upon 50 years of success as the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, we transitioned to the CUNY School of Medicine in 2017. The CUNY SoM offers an accelerated BS/MD (7-year program) and a Physician Assistant Master???s Degree (27 months program). True to its legacy of access, opportunity, and community transformation, the medical school???s mission remains to recruit highly talented students as diverse as New York City itself. CUNY School of Medicine as the home of healers and leaders, places a special emphasis on the recruitment of those who are underrepresented in the field of medicine, and on training high quality, culturally competent health professionals and scientists equipped to address the healthcare needs of New York???s medically under-served communities. As a major priority, CUNY School of Medicine also seeks to enhance the recruitment and retention of senior leadership, faculty, and staff to more closely reflect the diversity of our student body.

The Dean's Office is currently seeking a Communications and College Relations Director. Reporting to Dean, this position will support the CUNY School of Medicine???s strategic vision and brand, and develop, implement, direct and assess a comprehensive communications plan for the school. The ideal candidate will work with leadership, development, alumni relations, and web development staff, as well as Schoolwide communications and marketing staff to accomplish the School's communications goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate evidence of fostering collaborative partnerships by working with internal and external stakeholders to support and advance the school???s mission.

In addition to the CUNY Title Overview, responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Develop, direct and implement a successful and integrated communications program using multiple mediums in a timely and consistent fashion. This may include, but not be limited to, brand guidelines, annual reports, web pages, development proposals and e-communications, stewardship reports, and gift acknowledgements.
• Create and lead a branding and marketing effort for the medical school in collaboration with relevant CUNY, CCNY and campus personnel. Ensure a consistent narrative is executed to increase brand and name recognition and presence in all mediums, including coordinated marketing efforts to ensure consistency with broader college marketing and branding efforts.
• Write and/or oversee the writing of internal and external communications including, among others, e-newsletters, news magazine, social media, e-blasts, press releases, letters to the editor, opinion pieces, articles for website, special announcements, talking points for dean???s speeches, blogs, testimony, and opinion pieces.
• Identify and pursue creative and effective avenues and outlets designed to establish, advance and strengthen the School???s visibility locally and nationally.
• In collaboration with the school???s senior leadership, develop short- and long-range communications and external relations goals and metrics for evaluating them.
• Serve as the school???s principal liaison with CUNY and The CCNY Offices of Communications and Marketing.
• Guide and support strategic outreach with CUNY SoM departments and external stakeholders.
• Oversee social media activities, including creating and posting of content, creation of a dean???s blog, monitoring and listening, and ensuring responses to incoming messaging.
• Oversee the management of advancement and other school content on website to ensure consistent messaging.
• Guide and make recommendations for the creation of promotional materials for recruitment, special events and conferences.
• Coordinate relationships with vendors supporting communications initiatives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of CUNY SoM???s communications strategies qualitatively and quantitatively; adapt communications practices to optimize outcomes.
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of trends and best practices related to effective communications practices, and implement strategies to optimize effectiveness.
• Participate in the planning, execution and publicity of special events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Candidates will be required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Exemption (medical or religious) requests to this requirement will be considered in accordance with applicable law. Being fully vaccinated is defined for this purpose as being at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. Final candidates must be fully vaccinated as of their first day of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master???s degree strongly preferred, in marketing, public relations, journalism, communications, public health and policy, governmental relations, organizational leadership or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in constituent relations, marketing and branding in a service-oriented field, preferably higher education.
• Previous experience in academic medicine or similar industry.
• Demonstrated experience with external and community relations and search engine optimization.
• Proficiency with electronic communications, social media, and web development strongly preferred.
• Superb verbal and written communication skill and attention to detail.
• Experience preparing annual reports, articles, speeches and presentations.
• Professional demeanor and interpersonal skill. Ability to effectively engage with internal and external constituents and stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; demonstrated ability to prioritize, plan and manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to think creatively and ???outside the box???.
• Familiarity with alumni and donor databases preferred.
• Flexible schedule, ability to attend and participate in occasional weekend and evening events.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Directs College communications and public relations efforts.

• Establishes goals consistent with the College mission and works collaboratively with senior management to develop short- and long-range plans to further College outreach
• Develops and maintains comprehensive press, public relations, and internal communications strategies
• Represents the College to a variety of external and community organizations, establishing good working relationships and two-way communications on areas of common interest
• Oversees College web site and other major communications vehicles, such as publications
• Plans, organizes, and implements special events including conferences, receptions, and informational programs
• Develops and implements campaigns to foster awareness of College activities and initiatives
• Researches and develops speeches and other critical communications by senior management
• Maintains media relationships and serves as spokesperson representing the College
• Identifies and leverages opportunities to promote the visibility and reputation of the College.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Communications and College Relations Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit www.cuny.edu, access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID 24482, or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates should provide a resume and cover letter.

CLOSING DATE

July 15, 2022

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.