Managing Story Editor – Center for Conservation Media

Department Background: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Center for Conservation Media (Conservation Media) is a full-scale media production and communication strategy group, specializing in science-based content primarily focused on biodiversity conservation. Our explanatory media, documentary films, data visualizations,

education:

al materials, and social media are designed to support scientific institutions, governmental agencies, conservation practitioners, local communities, and organizations around the world to impact priority environmental issues that are integral to sustaining species, ecosystems, and human livelihoods. Our operating approach is to identify urgent issues where science is under-utilized; forge alliances with the local, regional, and international stakeholders leading established initiatives to accomplish specific objectives; work closely with those partners to co-design and produce high-quality content,

education:

al tools, and media kits for tactical outreach; and disseminate media assets to all groups that are dedicated to a given conservation issue. Position Summary: The Managing Story Editor (MSE) is a leadership role responsible for the strategic growth of CM’s array of conservation partnerships and projects.

The MSE collaborates with the Center Director and the Senior Producer to identify new and advance existing conservation media opportunities. The MSE manages the day-to-day operations of the story and research unit including leadership of science editors, works with project leads to develop editorial content that aligns with CM’s near and long-term content strategy, builds partnerships that deliver on the Lab’s mission, and leads their own projects as needed.

The MSE will occasionally travel nationally and internationally to meet and gather story information from various organizations, scientists, and researchers. This is a demanding and intellectually stimulating role that calls for a keen interest in collaborating with internal and external partners to develop media communications that reach their audiences of influence.

Position Summary: Editorial Development Research, seek out, and identify opportunities where CM can have the greatest impact.

• Advise Center Director on conservation opportunities to pursue based on how those opportunities mesh with current work and/or advance areas of interest.
• Develop, implement, and manage the unit’s story development pipeline (slate).
• Leadership Lead, mentor, and train science editors, freelance staff, and interns.

Work closely with science editors, project leads, and producers to ensure factual information of each production is properly presented, meets Cornell University’s editorial standards, as well as the terms set out with external partners.

• Advise all Producers, Science Editors, and other staff on story development.

Project lead on discrete projects. Partnership Development Identify the leading organizations in the areas of conservation that align with CM initiatives, pursue leads and build relationships with these organizations. Edit research briefs for select projects with particular attention to how media can contribute to advancing conservation or contributing to public

education:

Liaise with the Lab Communications team and other Lab Centers to identify crossover outreach opportunities. While position

responsibilities:

vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Cornell communicators share a mission to enhance and preserve the university’s brand and reputation as a top research institution and a leader in higher

education:

, and to support and promote critical programs that serve the university’s teaching, research, and public engagement mission. Communication services are carried out through a matrixed organizational system in which University Relations houses the departments of News (Cornell Chronicle), Media Relations (pitching and servicing media requests), Brand (Cornell.edu, multimedia production), Strategic Communications (communications plans, key messaging, campus statements, social media management), and Cornellians (digital alumni publication).

Communicators in colleges, schools, and units regularly collaborate with, and consult, University Relations departments. University Relations serves as a partner and resource for all unit communicators. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2-3 days per week and on-site 2-3 days per week.

The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What You:

Need (

Qualifications:

): We are seeking a team member who is highly organized, a highly competent communicator and storyteller with proven leadership

skills:

and passion for collaboration. Bachelor’s degree in biology, conservation sciences, science journalism/communication, or relevant field with a minimum of 5 years’

experience:

working in a science editor capacity or equivalent. Minimum of 5 years of

experience:

in a leadership role that balances project objectives and professional development. Minimum of 5 years of

experience:

in a partner development role with emphasis on collaborating with key stakeholders to tell their story. Extensive

experience:

in researching and synthesizing complex scientific information and communicating for a wide range of audiences. Extensive

experience:

working in a science editor capacity or equivalent for a recognized national or international media platform. Highly capable and confident verbal presenter. First-hand

experience:

with contemporary uses of scientific information in explanatory media and storytelling. Demonstrable success cultivating effective working relationships with colleagues, scientists, professionals, and other external entities. Must have demonstrated ability for working collaboratively and inclusively in a team environment where cooperation between colleagues and flexibility to different styles and approaches is required.

Proven

experience:

connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals. Must complete Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position. Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training

requirements:

If you possess these

experience:

s and

skills:

this may be the role for you! There are a few other

qualifications:

we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include: Advanced degree or professional accomplishments in conservation science. 7+ years professional

experience:

in science communications for a newsroom or a large media organization. Knowledge of bird species and landscape-scale conservation issues. Professional connections in conservation networks that can produce strong leads for partner/story development. Written and/or verbal fluency in a language in addition to English.

Rewards and

Benefits:

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2 day per week and in-person 3 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. This position is based in Ithaca, New York.

Employees who work remotely may receive multiple W-2 Forms depending on their work location. The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholding for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside of New York State.

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

https://hr.cornell.edu/

benefits:

-pay. 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 and two floating holidays

Learn more

about:

holiday and accrued time off, visit: https://hr.cornell.edu/

about:

/employment-policy-practice/employment-policies/time-and-leaves/holiday-and-accrued-time Cornell's impressive

education:

al

benefits:

include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external

education:

, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

• Follow this link to learn more

about:

the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards. 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: Hannah Parker Carver Contact Email: hp477@cornell.edu 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. Current Employees: If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell. Online Submission Guidelines: Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.

You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. Employment Assistance: For general questions

about:

the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu. 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 accommodations@cornell.edu.

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 mycareer@cornell.edu. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here.

This notice contains important information

about:

applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and

responsibilities:

as an applicant. 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.

2025-06-12 Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer:

a rich array of services, programs and

benefits:

to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave and flexible work options.