Managing Story Editor – Center for Conservation Media

About the position

Responsibilities

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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