The Research Alliance for New York City Schools is an independent research center housed at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Founded in 2008, the Research Alliance conducts rigorous studies on topics that matter to New York City’s public schools. We strive to advance equity and excellence in education by providing nonpartisan evidence about policies and practices that promote students’ development and academic success.
The Research Alliance invites applications for an Outreach and Communications Manager from individuals with a strong interest in education policy, practice, and research; experience with online communications and social media; outstanding writing skills; and a proven ability to collaborate. We seek candidates from diverse backgrounds, particularly from groups that are underrepresented in education policy and research.
Job Description
The Outreach and Communications Manager will work closely with the Director of Communications to implement strategies that engage a variety of audiences in our research. These efforts are designed to:
- Involve education stakeholders in developing our research agenda and making sense of results;
- Communicate findings and lessons from Research Alliance studies to diverse audiences, including the general public;
- Build the overall visibility and credibility of the Research Alliance’s work; and
- Promote the use of evidence in NYC’s education system.
The Outreach and Communications Manager will be responsible for identifying and connecting with new audiences; managing digital communications; assisting with the production and dissemination of Research Alliance publications; supporting the development of presentations, data visualizations, etc.; and tracking communications-related outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Identifying and connecting with relevant organizations across the City (e.g., youth-serving CBOs, advocacy groups, schools and school support organizations, PD providers, etc.) to raise their awareness of the Research Alliance.
- Creating and supporting mechanisms to better understand education stakeholders’ interests and needs; helping to elevate youth and community voices in the Research Alliance’s work (e.g., through surveys, events, publications, social media, etc.).
- Developing opportunities for Research Alliance staff and affiliates to meet with stakeholders, share findings, and receive feedback on current work and priorities for future research. This may include planning, implementing, and supporting virtual and in-person events, small-group briefings, and Research Alliance Steering Committee meetings.
- Managing the Research Alliance’s digital communications efforts, including:
- Developing website, e-newsletter, and social media content that speaks to stakeholders’ needs and interests, and promotes the use of evidence from Research Alliance studies;
- Using NYU Steinhardt’s content management system to update the Research Alliance website, ensuring that all new material meets digital accessibility guidelines;
- Working with NYU Steinhardt’s web team to identify and coordinate any needed website development or repairs;
- Writing, designing, and sending a monthly e-newsletter;
- Managing the Research Alliance’s social media accounts;
- Expanding our social media following and e-newsletter list; and increasing traffic to the Research Alliance website;
- Overseeing the work of part-time staff and/or student workers who are available to assist with digital communications.
- Proofreading and laying out Research Alliance publications.
- Helping plan and execute publication release and dissemination strategies.
- Maintaining the Research Alliance’s visual identity standards by developing new documentation, tools and templates as needed, and encouraging adherence to visual identity guidelines.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public policy, education, communications, or relevant social science field.
- Experience with digital communications, including website production and social media.
- Outstanding writing skills; ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
- Attention to detail under pressure. Ability to manage competing demands and complete tasks under time constraints.
- Ability to take initiative, work independently, and work in a collaborative team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products; basic knowledge of web design and production, including experience with content management systems and Google Analytics; knowledge of Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. Familiarity with digital accessibility standards is a plus (the person hired for this role also will be expected to complete NYU trainings related to digital accessibility).
- Design-savvy, preferably with some knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and/or experience creating data visualizations.
- Interest in/knowledge of NYC’s education system is essential. First-hand experience in NYC Public Schools is a plus.
- Strong candidates are able to recognize how social/cultural biases may impact research, policy, and communications.
Compensation
- In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual starting salary range for this position is $50,000-$55,000 FTE, depending on experience. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.
Application Process
- Submit resume and cover letter through Interfolio discussing interest in the position and qualifications, as well as a writing sample (no more than 4 pages).
References will be requested after an initial round of interview(s).
New York University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its hiring and promotion process. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.