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Title: Development Communications Associate

Org Unit: Dev Comms

Work Days: Monday-Friday

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $77,400.00 - $87,800.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

Writes, edits and manages a high volume of development-related articles and/or proposals, publications, speaking remarks, materials for fundraising campaigns and other items for the Office of External Affairs.

Job Responsibilities

+ Writes and edits high-quality development content and additional materials for donors, prospective donors, senior leadership, administrators, faculty, students, alumni and other patrons of Weill Cornell Medicine.

+ Composes appropriate and effective copy for development-related donor proposals, reports, volunteer leadership remarks, solicitation materials and acknowledgement letters in support of campaign fundraising.

+ Actively manages all parts of the content creation process with close attention to detail and deadlines, including research, editing, story ideation, layout and printing.

+ Interfaces directly with Weill Cornell Medicine’s major donors, physician-scientists, senior leadership, faculty, staff and students to craft quotes, remarks and articles for publications.

+ Oversees production of a range of editorial materials and projects. Manages publication schedule, layout, text editing and design process and secures all necessary approvals to meet strict deadlines.

+ Manages photographers and graphic designers to create engaging and polished layout and design of development editorial and advertorial pieces for proposals and publications. Hires, schedules and supervises photographers for editorial projects.

+ Conducts fact checking, proofs and implements departmental style guide for a variety of departmental materials, including articles, event invitations and programs.

+ Ensures consistency of Weill Cornell Medicine’s strategic campaign messages of excellence in research, student education and medical care.

Education

+ Bachelor's Degree

Experience

+ Approximately 3 to 5 years minimum of related work experience in communications, preferably within a fundraising environment for a health-related non-profit, or with a public relations firm working closely with health-related clients.

+ Prior experience writing speeches and remarks.

+ Experience in writing published stories for the health and medical fields.

+ Experience writing for and updating web and social media sites desirable.

+ Specific experience writing principal gift donor proposals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

+ Strong writing and oral communications skills, including editing and interviewing skills, the proven ability to interpret medical and technical language for a general audience and facility with persuasive writing and vivid storytelling.

+ Excellent computer skills (PC and Mac), including competent facility with Microsoft Office.

+ Must be able to work collegially in a deadline-driven environment.

+ Talent for adjusting voice and writing style to fit a particular audience and purpose, with ability to convey both simple and complex thoughts in a clear, concise and compelling manner.

+ Excellent interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of constituents including senior fundraisers and officers, volunteers, donors, physicians, scientists, and vendors.

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.