"Communication Specialist"

Position Summary

The Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (IICD), located on Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus, is an interdisciplinary institute advancing research at the intersection of mathematical sciences and cancer biology. The Communications Specialist will play a vital role in amplifying IICD’s mission and impact by working with faculty, researchers, staff, and external communication teams to showcase groundbreaking science and innovative collaborations. This position offers the opportunity to shape the Institute’s voice, expand its visibility, and engage diverse audiences—from the scientific community to students and the general public—while collaborating with world-class researchers, building a communications portfolio across digital, print, and event promotion, and accessing Columbia University’s extensive professional development and networking resources.

Responsibilities

• Writing/Editing/Content Development/Email Marketing: Write, edit, proofread, and produce IICD internal and public-facing materials, including newsletters, website content, social media posts, print materials, and brochures. Draft and edit stories for the website, newsletter, and other channels. Manage content development, distribution, and subscriber lists for the IICD newsletter. Design and coordinate event/program communications (invitations, flyers, announcements) and oversee distribution to internal and external audiences. Partner with faculty, staff, and communication teams to create, review, publish, and cross-promote stories and events. Ensure consistent branding across all IICD materials and communications.
• Social Media/Web: Maintain and update IICD social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky, YouTube, LinkedIn), and identify new platforms as appropriate. Create and execute social media campaigns to increase engagement and visibility. Develop and maintain digital content for the IICD website and related sites. Track and analyze web and social media analytics; recommend and implement strategies to strengthen audience reach and engagement.
• Miscellaneous: Maintain and update the Institute mailing lists. Assist with general program administration as it relates to communications, online and print publications, and events. Assist with event logistics, including registration, scheduling, and post-event communications. Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required in communications, marketing, journalism, or other related fields, with two to four years of related experience. Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team. Highly detail-oriented, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with minimal supervision. Exceptional organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and project management skills. Excellent written and oral communication abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp (or similar platforms), Eventbrite, website content management systems, and major social media platforms. Experience producing newsletters, social media campaigns, reports, memos, and other communication materials. Experience in monitoring and analyzing web and social media metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a higher education academic setting. Previous experience working in science communications.