Under the direction of the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Communications, the Assistant Director for Editorial Content serves as a strategic storyteller for the Department of Athletics & Physical Education.
The Assistant Director for Editorial Content actively supports the development, coordination and implementation of effective communication strategies and initiatives that create recognition of the achievements, programs, teams and participants across the spectrum of Cornell Athletics and Physical Education. In addition, they work in close coordination with the Student & Campus Life Communications Team and the University Relations teams, in collaborative storytelling efforts to enhance the brand of the University, the division and the department.
In addition to individual sports information management of 3-5 sports (including possibly football, volleyball, field hockey, men's or women's basketball, wrestling, softball, men's and women's lacrosse and/or others), this position will take the department lead in coordinating, maintaining and managing digital assets and historical data, records and statistics.
The position requires frequent evening and weekend hours and some travel.
Success Factors
Superior writing and excellent multimedia storytelling ability.
Ability to recognize and mine for stories with exceptional listening skills and curiosity.
Superb interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated success in building and maintaining effective working relationships with a wide variety of groups including students, staff, campus partners, service providers and the larger community.
Collaborative and responsive to managing multiple relationships and projects in a fast-paced environment, flexibly adapting to new priorities, anticipating needs, and being nimble and responsive as projects and needs change.
Possesses a balance of organization skills and flexibility, growth mindset and the ability to connect dots between seemingly disparate activities or teams in the organization.
Strong leadership capability, with the drive to inspire and motivate team members to support collaboration and excellence, as well as create an engaging and fun work environment.
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.
Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field with at least 1-3 years of experience working in a collegiate sports information office
Excellent writing, interpersonal and other communications skills. Demonstrated success in translating high-level thought processes into action in an effective way.
An understanding of brand positioning, target audience identification, and differentiation. Able to develop and articulate a clear and compelling marketing and brand strategy that aligns with the values and goals of the Department and University.
A proven leader and problem solver.
Excellent website design and maintenance skills.
Knowledge of Genius Sports-LiveStats and StatCrew statistical programs, Microsoft Office and the Adobe Creative Suite is essential.
Comprehensive knowledge of intercollegiate athletics administration, including expert knowledge of how to operate within the parameters of institutional, conference, and NCAA rules and policies.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Cornell communicators share a mission to enhance and preserve the university’s brand and reputation as a top research institution and a leader in higher education, and to support and promote critical programs that serve the university’s teaching, research and public engagement mission.
Communication services are carried out through a matrixed organizational system in which University Relations houses the departments of News (Cornell Chronicle), Media Relations (pitching and servicing media requests), Brand (Cornell.edu, multimedia production), Strategic Communications (communications plans, key messaging, campus statements, social media management), and Cornellians (digital alumni publication). Communicators in colleges, schools, and units regularly collaborate with, and consult, University Relations departments. University Relations serves as a partner and resource for all unit communicators
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive communi...ty 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.
