ACT for Youth Communication Coordinator

Cornell Human Ecology explores the complexity of human life. We bring together a range of perspectives to understand the full context of the human experience and improve lives at every scale, from cells to society. Our research and academic programs focus on the interaction of humans with their biological, economic, social, and physical environments. Using Cornell's far-reaching extension network and the college's translational research methods, we deliver our findings directly to communities and families, ensuring that our work reaches those who need it most.

ACT for Youth is housed in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), which is located within Cornell University's College of Human Ecology. The BCTR mission is to improve professional and public efforts to understand and deal with risk and protective factors in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities that affect family strength, child well-being, and youth development. Translational research, as defined by the College and the BCTR, is the systematic application of research findings into the development of innovative interventions, practices, and policies that may ultimately improve health and well-being. The knowledge derived from these interventions feeds future research.

ACT for Youth advances the well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults by connecting research to practice in the areas of positive youth development and health. As the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action (ACT CCA) we primarily support adults who work with adolescents; as the ACT for Youth Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program Center of Excellence (CYSHCN COE) we primarily support local New York State health departments, families, and children and youth with special health care needs. We do this work by creating, identifying, and disseminating research-informed resources; developing and providing trainings; and supporting continuous quality improvement through evaluation services and technical assistance.

Our Mission

What You Will Do

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

ACT for Youth is funded by the New York State Department of Health to serve in two distinct capacities. Since 2000, the ACT for Youth Center for Community Action (ACT CCA) has worked to advance adolescent well-being by supporting community-based organizations in the areas of positive youth development and adolescent sexual health. In October 2024, ACT for Youth is expanding our services by launching the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program Center of Excellence (ACT COE), supporting New York State local health departments and families of CYSHCN in navigating and improving systems of care.

The Communications Coordinator position will fulfill duties within the scope of both centers, as well as other grants administered by ACT for Youth, with an initial primary focus within the ACT COE. This position requires expertise in writing, editing, website design, and project management. The Communications Coordinator will direct the branding process for the new center, as well as the creation and maintenance of a new website and resource database serving local health departments (LHDs) and families across New York State. This will include planning and managing the content developed by other members of the ACT team as well as creating original content and ensuring all materials developed have one "voice." The Coordinator will also manage the development of education and outreach materials created by a public health marketing subcontractor. Each of these projects will involve extensive stakeholder input and collaboration supported by the Coordinator. For the ACT CCA and other grant-funded projects, the Coordinator will edit or develop educational content, disseminate a monthly newsletter, support the development of interactive content and potential AI integration, and maintain WordPress course sites. The Coordinator will ensure all content developed uses a translational research approach, synthesizing and making academic research accessible while also integrating experiences and expertise from those in the field.

The successful Communication Coordinator will embody creativity, collaboration, and strong writing skills. You will be joining a dynamic team where collaboration thrives and colleagues support one another, creating a positive and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation. We are looking for candidates who not only bring the right skills but also value teamwork and team spirit.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, or related field plus 3-5 years' experience in communications in a nonprofit, extension, educational, or public health environment, or equivalent combination.
• Excellent writing and editing skills; demonstrated ability to write clear and engaging content that meets the needs of diverse audiences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrating effective collaboration with diverse internal and external stakeholders and a commitment to cultural humility.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage projects and deliver professional products on time.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative environments and to contribute to the innovation and outcome success of a team.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Attention to the accessibility of all resources developed and disseminated by ACT for Youth.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and well-being. Employee must have experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Must have experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Must have experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Must have ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in communications, public health, human-centered design, or related field.
• Graphic design experience.
• Website design experience (non-technical).
• Web accessibility experience.

For consideration, applicants are required to submit the following materials online:

1. Resume.

2. Cover letter that describes previous experience and fit for the role.

3. Writing sample for a non-academic audience: submit a short text (such as a blog post) demonstrating how you would explain research findings on any topic to a general audience. The writing sample must be original; use of AI is not accepted.

This is a one-year, fixed-term position based in Ithaca, NY on Cornell University's campus. Annual renewal for 5 years (or more) is possible contingent on available funding, work, and successful performance. This hybrid role requires a minimum of three days in-person and up to two days remote work each week.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in US without sponsorship. Employment will end upon the expiration of work authorization in the US. Continued employment in this position is subject to eligibility to work in accordance with US immigration laws.

Benefits

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We're an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

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Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.