Coordinator-Communications

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 66,300 - 74,622

Position Summary

The Knight First Amendment Institute defends the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age through strategic litigation, research, policy advocacy, and public education. Through our work, we promote a system of free expression that is open and inclusive; that broadens and elevates public discourse; and that fosters creativity, accountability, and effective self-government.

Since its establishment in 2016, the Institute has filed precedent-setting litigation, undertaken major interdisciplinary research initiatives, and become an influential voice in debates about the freedoms of speech and the press in the digital age. Its active litigation docket includes cutting-edge cases relating to transparency, surveillance, and social media. Through its research program, the Institute has hosted leading thinkers as visiting scholars and published influential essays focused on emerging threats to the system of free expression. It has also hosted public events on algorithmic amplification and society, AI and public discourse, lies and the law, and the future of press freedom, among others.

Reporting to the Communications Director, the Communications Coordinator will help coordinate the systems, workflows, and day-to-day operations that support the Institute’s communications program. Responsibilities include maintaining the Institute’s website and communications databases, helping to plan and execute events both inside and outside the university, and coordinating and contributing to a range of research and communications projects, including publications and multimedia productions. The Communications Coordinator must be organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, willing to learn new skills, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and enthusiastic about the Institute’s mission. 

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate meetings for the Communications Team.
• Assist with posting content to the Institute’s website and social media platforms, manage online content production, and maintain the Institute’s growing online document and image archives, including its Digital Asset Management account.
• Recruit and manage up to three Research & Communications Interns per term.
• Maintain and update the Communications Team’s project management systems, track deadlines and deliverables, and help ensure that projects remain on schedule.
• Work closely with Research Program staff to coordinate the production and publication of scholarly essays.
• Working closely with Institute staff across programs, coordinate planning of symposia, panel discussions, briefings, and film screenings, and other public-facing events and closed convenings. When appropriate, coordinate with other Columbia University departments and outside organizations.
• Track the Communications Team’s expenses to ensure budget compliance.
• Develop and maintain press databases, track press clips and media reach, prepare coverage and analytic reports, and analyze website, social media, research, and other communications data for funder reports.
• Assist with the dissemination of Institute press releases and other press and marketing materials.
• Assist with drafting social media posts and other digital content as needed.
• Support multimedia projects, including podcasts, short- and long-form videos, and other multimedia assets.
• Working with the Communications Director and Research Team, help ensure that the Institute’s style guide is applied consistently across written material.
• Liaise with vendors, including printers, designers, caterers, and web developers.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent and 0-2 years of relevant experience are required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, and tact in dealing with confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Flexibility and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while working proactively and cooperatively in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Facility with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with Mailchimp, Eventbrite, InDesign, Canva, and Notion is a plus.

Other Requirements

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position, including a description of any relevant life or work experience
2. Resume
3. Two writing samples

Additional information may be requested during the application process.

Writing is an essential skill for this position, so we ask that you please do not use AI in the preparation of any of your application materials.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.