Outreach and Engagement Specialist

   

About the Division of University Relations

The Division of University Relations represents an integrated approach to Government Relations (Community, State, Federal), Brand, News, Media Relations, and Strategic Communications. More than 50 University Relations communicators collaborate with and provide support to the colleges, schools and administrative units within the university. This includes promoting and raising the visibility of Cornell University to a wide variety of internal and external audiences in support of the university strategic priorities.

The Opportunity:

The mission of the Office of Community Relations is to connect the Ithaca campus to the Greater Ithaca community and to support and develop proactive partnerships to advance shared challenges and opportunities in one of America’s great college towns. Our Community Relations staff works with community and campus leaders on matters of mutual interest on several issues tied to the quality of life across Tompkins County —including area infrastructure, sustainability, public schools, economic development, transportation, housing, diversity, and planning. Our goals revolve around timely sharing of information and a daily focus on accessibility, transparency, and partnership. Cornell is proud that Ithaca is its home community.

This is a full time, on campus position (within commuting distance from Ithaca, NY). Some hybrid activities are possible, but the employee will be expected to be on campus regularly and frequently. Fully remote work is not available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Hiring budget for this position is between $87,772 to $90,000. The actual offer will be based on the candidate’s skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Director of Community Relations, the Outreach and Engagement Specialist supports Cornell's local government and community relations efforts by managing partnerships, projects, and engagement initiatives with municipalities, nonprofits, regional organizations, and campus stakeholders. The role focuses on strengthening community relationships, coordinating outreach opportunities, communicating Cornell's local and regional impact, and supporting strategic community investment goals.

Responsibilities include project management, stakeholder engagement, impact storytelling, newsletter and communications development, and preparing reports that demonstrate Cornell's contributions as New York's land-grant institution. The position requires strong communication, collaboration, organizational, relationship development, and strategic thinking skills, as well as the ability to manage confidential and time-sensitive matters. The individual must understand key community issues and enthusiastically connect external partners to appropriate Cornell resources.

What We Need

We are seeking a team member who has the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 3 to 5 years of relevant full-time work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Core competencies include project management, planning/coordination skills, relationship building, communication, and organizational and political acumen.

• Ability to provide direction and oversight regarding setup, cadence/timeline, execution, and reporting of projects; manage and track progress and communication needs on a regular basis.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects and priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.

• Ability to research, gather data, develop reports for internal and external use.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to synthesize information for internal and external audiences using various tools including email, website, social media, newsletter, print materials/PDFs.

• Demonstrated experience and accuracy with Microsoft products.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule: e.g., occasional work on nights and weekends at on- and off-campus locations.

• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

A cover letter and resume are required for further consideration for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

   

University Job Title:

Governmental Assoc

   

Job Family:

Administration

   

Level:

F

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

$84,352.00 - $98,031.00

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

Endowed

   

Contact Name:

Brenda Joly

   

Contact Email:

[email protected]

   

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

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

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Online Submission Guidelines:

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Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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EEO Statement:

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 (VEVRAA) 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.

2026-09-02