Job Information
Weill Cornell Medical College Assistant Director of Donor Communications Strategy in New York, New York
Title: Assistant Director of Donor Communications Strategy
Location: Midtown
Org Unit: Development Communications
Work Days: Monday-Friday
Weekly Hours: 35.00
Exemption Status:
Salary Range: $127,100.00 - $152,000.00
*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Donor Communications Strategy will advance the institution’s philanthropic mission by developing and executing integrated communications strategies and a robust digital content ecosystem that deepen engagement with alumni, planned giving donors, annual fund supporters, and—through strategic digital touchpoints—major and principal gift donors.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Development Communications, the Assistant Director will lead initiatives that expand Weill Cornell Medicine’s digital engagement, ensuring donor communications evolve with emerging technologies, analytics, and donor preferences to drive philanthropic growth.
Job Responsibilities
Develop and implement multi-channel communications strategies for key donor audiences, with emphasis on alumni, planned giving, and annual and special giving constituencies
Lead the creation, management, and expansion of digital communications platforms and products, including donor newsletters, solicitation content, reports, and web content.
Collaborate with Communications and Public Affairs on video, and social media integration.
Collaborate with Development Communications colleagues to design digital strategies that extend to major and principal gift donors, including personalized content delivery and engagement tools.
Translate campaign and institutional priorities into compelling digital storytelling that builds donor loyalty and demonstrates philanthropic impact.
Partner with colleagues in Marketing and across External Affairs to align donor communications with institutional branding, messaging, and campaign goals and strategies.
Use data and analytics to measure donor engagement, track performance of digital campaigns, and inform content strategy.
Identify emerging technologies, digital trends, and platforms to ensure Weill Cornell Medicine remains at the forefront of donor engagement.
Build and lead a donor engagement communications team that delivers creative, data-driven content to deepen donor relationships.
Manage relationships with vendors, freelancers, and internal partners to execute communications projects on time and within budget.
Lead long-term strategic planning for the donor engagement communications ecosystem, anticipating opportunities for innovation and sustainability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Experience
8+ years of professional experience in communications, marketing, or development, with a strong background in digital strategy and content development.
Demonstrated ability to craft integrated communications plans for multiple audiences.
Strong project management skills, with proven ability to manage complex initiatives from concept through execution.
Proficiency in digital tools and platforms (e.g., email marketing, content management systems, analytics platforms, social media, video production).
Experience leveraging data and analytics to shape content strategy and measure impact, especially for a donor audience.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats and platforms.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong project management skills, with proven ability to manage complex initiatives from concept through execution.
Always demonstrate integrity and ethics.
Maintains a flexible and forward-thinking approach to the way work is done.
Maintains a team-oriented approach and possesses the ability to cultivate positive and collegial workplace relationships.
Possesses excellent work-related skills and the ability to apply them, while continually seeking ways to improve.
Possesses the ability to facilitate the flow of information through effective written and oral communication.
Licenses and Certifications
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
This is a full-time position based in New York, NY.
Hybrid work options may be available in accordance with institutional policy.
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.