Managing Science Editor – Center for Conservation Media

Department Background: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Center for Conservation Media (CM) 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, educational 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 science-based media, educational tools, and media kits for tactical outreach; and disseminate assets to groups that are dedicated to a given conservation issue. The Managing Science Editor (MSE) is a leadership role that shares responsibility for the strategic growth of CM’s array of conservation partnerships and projects. The MSE collaborates with the Center Director and the unit's Producers to identify new conservation media opportunities and advance existing ones. The MSE manages the day-to-day operations of the story and research team including leadership, management, and mentorship 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 dynamic and intellectually stimulating role that calls for a keen interest in collaborating with internal and external partners to develop media communications that effectively 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. Lead the development, implementation, and management of the unit’s story development pipeline and impact framework. Leadership Lead, mentor, and manage full-time Science Editors, part-time freelance staff, and interns. Work closely with Science Editors, project leads, and Producers to ensure factual information within each production is properly presented and meets Cornell University’s editorial standards as well as the terms set out with external partners. Advise Producers, Science Editors, and other staff on story development. Direct topical research efforts across multiple projects and assume Science Editor responsibilities for designated productions as needed. 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 public education initiatives. 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 (, 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 seasoned manager who is a highly organized, 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. Minimum 5 years of experience working in a Science Editor capacity or equivalent. Minimum 5 years of experience in a management role supervising full-time staff that balances responsibility for project objectives and facilitation of professional development. Minimum of 5 years of experience in a partnership development role with emphasis on collaborating with external stakeholders. Deep expertise in researching, synthesizing, and communicating complex scientific concepts accurately and effectively to a wide range of audiences. Demonstrated presenter skills and ability to communicate in an engaging manner to internal and external audiences. First-hand experience with contemporary uses of scientific information in explanatory media and storytelling. Demonstrable success cultivating effective working relationships with colleagues as well as external stakeholders such as scientists, representatives of non-profit organizations, and independent media contractors. Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging, and well-being practices to business goals. If you possess these experiences 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. Extensive experience working in a Science Editor capacity or equivalent for a recognized national or international media platform. Knowledge of bird species and landscape-scale conservation issues. Demonstrated ability to build and leverage professional networks that support partnership and story development. Written and/or verbal fluency in Spanish and / or Portuguese, 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: . 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: 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. Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: . 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: 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 . 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 . 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 . 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