The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers a world-class education in art, architecture and engineering as well as an outstanding faculty of humanities and social sciences. The Cooper Union is a living laboratory that has advanced and shaped our country and civic thought for over 150 years. The Cooper Union has stood for more than a century as a bastion of free speech and a center for debate of the vital issues of civic leadership. That discussion continues today. As the College looks forward to rediscover Cooper’s many strengths, the College is developing a new strategic plan that drives toward an even more vibrant, sustainable, inclusive future.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is part of the leadership team and will play a key role in shaping The Cooper Union’s long-term financial health, academic vitality, and civic leadership into the 22nd century. The Director of Communications and Public Programs provides creative and strategic leadership in the development and implementation of a comprehensive, synergistic communications and public programming strategy for the College to engage internal and external audiences.  In partnership with the President and other campus leaders, the Director develops the College’s strategic communications and public programming plans and oversees their implementation. The Director will lead a transformational approach to link the work in Public Programs to the overall strategy of communicating and engaging internal and external communities in public discussion about topics and values that are meaningful to the College and the community. The Director also serves as a key spokesperson for the College. This position reports directly to the President and is a member of the leadership Cabinet.

SKILLS/REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of ten years progressively responsible experience in strategic communications planning; digital, social, and print media and public relations; perception management; internal communications; and crisis management, as well as proven effectiveness engaging local, national, and international media.
• Minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in the successful design and production of print and digital materials, including a familiarity with graphic design, web design, publications processes, and Google Analytics.
• Experience with developing program strategy and producing events.
• Experience with  identifying or managing agents who represent talent who provide exemplary programs.
• Ability to partner with development leadership to engage potential funders through public programs.
• Ability to supervise and train employees including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments; evaluating performance; and mentoring and coaching employees to achieve maximum productivity.
• Exceptional writing, editing and oral communication skills as well as proficiency in engaging effectively with a wide range of external and internal constituencies.
• Ability to lead and reorient teams in response to new opportunities and changing priorities.
• Strong strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to provide advice and counsel across a complex organization.
• Ability to deliver high quality work within designated timelines.
• Ability to build strong relationships, work both collaboratively and independently, make decisions, maintain confidentiality, multitask, organize, and prioritize while maintaining high standards in a high volume environment.
• Demonstrate energy, creativity, and intellectual breadth, with the ability to lead, inspire, and manage a team with those characteristics
• A proven ability to serve as an institutional spokesperson on a variety of issues in a variety of settings.
• Is committed to the value of diversity in all aspects of college life.

EDUCATION

•  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university is required.

Submit resume and cover letter to:
Human Resources
30 Cooper Square, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10003

Or email to: hr@cooper.edu

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.