Director, CALS Marketing and Communications

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

The CALS Office of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the internal and external relations efforts for the College. From covering college news to publishing our alumni magazine, CALS Marketing and Communications promotes the groundbreaking scientific discoveries and internationally renowned expertise of our faculty and staff. Other areas of responsibility for the office include the marketing of CALS programs and initiatives, overseeing the college’s social media and web presence, producing events, effective media relations, promoting our new college brand guidelines and performing strategic communications leadership.

The Marketing & Communications Director will report directly to the Dean and will be primarily responsible for strengthening and bringing greater visibility to the CALS brand and planning, developing and implementing key strategic communications efforts for priority projects across the college and strategic planning. This work is critical to enhancing our ability to attract top prospective students and faculty, build alumni engagement, inspire donations, and increase funding support by Albany and Washington D.C. Working cross-functionally with partners at the college and university to align on best practices, strategic priorities, and optimal promotion of content. This role serves as an ambassador to University Relations’ New Media team, and acts in an advisory capacity to CALS Marketing and Communications, as well as the college’s various social media managers, to support university protocols and facilitate optimal content sharing and development.

Primary Responsibilities Include The Following

• Direct the strategic planning, execution and maintenance of effective communication efforts for CALS in Ithaca and other campuses.
• Design and implement communication strategies on behalf of the Dean to connect the mission, goals, priorities and accomplishments of the college to both internal and external audiences.
• Direct and manage the CALS Marketing and Communications team to gather information on issues relating to the college and disseminate to a variety of stakeholder groups through college and university websites, printed and digital collateral.
• Interface strategically with the University Communication partners to strengthen, maintain, and align the College’s various messages and ensure these are disseminated to a variety of stakeholder groups through various Cornell venues (social media, internet, print, video and events), including important stakeholders in Washington and Albany.
• Oversee the status of strategic projects and prepares weekly status report for all in-progress projects; Identify and execute community-building and brand-awareness activities and related communications for CALS faculty, staff, students.
• Lead market research and develop actionable recommendations based on insights.
• Lead project management efforts for the office as well as maintaining knowledge of industry best practices.
• Assist with developing strategies to reach key audiences across multiple channels, arrange and promote high-profile speaking opportunities for Cornell CALS faculty who are leaders in their fields, research and suggest strategic partnerships and collaborate with office of Marketing and Communications team members on placing op-eds and commentary pieces in high-profile outlets to meet strategic goals.
• Drive new approaches to deliver communications in more creative, efficient, and effective ways by challenging processes and recommending new approaches; will also use measurement tools to assess the impact of communications programs to refine activities.
• Provide crisis management support for the Dean and senior leadership team.
• Plan and execute all special events other than those managed by Alumni Affairs and Development.
• Execute special communications projects as needed.
  
  

This is a full-time, 100% FTE position, located on the Ithaca, NY campus with a requirement for a minimum of 4 days per week in person and flexibility to work remotely 1 day per week. This is subject to change at the direction of the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required (preferably in communications, marketing or business) with five to seven years of experience creating content for external communications or marketing. Must have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Must be proficient in word processing, database management and information technology for information gathering and dissemination. Solid organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects and relate to diverse publics are essential. Must have prior supervisory experience with demonstrated success in leading a cohesive team. Desire to work in a fast-paced environment and ability to adapt to changing priorities. Must have experience preparing and managing project budgets and experience developing and formalizing project requirements/scope and assigning resources and setting project deadlines. Proven track record of moving projects forward while anticipating future demands and opportunities. Must be able to coordinate multiple programs simultaneously and to develop and implement forward-thinking and creative strategies. Successful experience as both an independent and team player is critical. Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality and present a strong service orientation is necessary. Must be self-directed, highly analytical, demonstrate initiative, possess strong leadership and networking skills, and have the ability to build and maintain complex relationships. Some travel may be required for face-to-face client meetings or industry events, estimated to be 5% of time or less. Possession of a valid US passport without travel restrictions and a valid U.S. driver’s license is required. Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.

Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Preferred Qualifications

Five to seven years’ related experience preferable in higher education with experience in public relations, communications, journalism, public affairs or related fields. Knowledge of the agriculture industry is preferred. Knowledge and intermediate or higher-level skills with InDesign, Photoshop, content management systems, and project management software is highly desirable.

Visa sponsorship unavailable

Relocation assistance unavailable

University Job Title

Communication Mgr I

Job Family

Communications/Marketing

Level

G

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

$99,499.00 - $121,609.00

Remote Option Availability

Hybrid

Company

Contract College

Contact Name

Michele Cowen

Contact Email

[email protected]

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• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline
  
  

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2026-02-18