POSITION DETAILS
Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, this position supports and advances the unit’s work by providing essential coordination of external relations activities on behalf of the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU). This position plays a key role in ensuring internal alignment, information sharing, and cross-unit collaboration in support of a cohesive and strategic external affairs program that strengthens SLU’s relationships with key public-sector constituencies.
Working closely with the Director of External Affairs, the Communications and College Relations Specialist helps build and sustain an effective external relations infrastructure. Responsibilities include:
- Assist in the development, management, and maintenance of ongoing external relations with key constituencies - among others, unions, employers, community organizations and elected officials, to bolster school enrollment and public/private funding and to ensure the overall well-being of the institution:
- Monitor and report on the activities of relevant City and State governmental bodies and committees (e.g., New York City Council Labor Committee, New York State Assembly Committee on Higher Education);
- Maintain and deepen relationships with members of SLU’s Labor Advisory Board;
- Provide administrative, logistical, and coordination support to the Director of External Relations to ensure smooth operations, consistent communications, and strong engagement both externally and within SLU. This includes creating and maintaining external relations databases and calendars and ensuring timely internal communication and shared access to information;
- Support project management efforts by tracking timelines, coordinating across internal teams, monitoring data, and ensuring timely follow-up on action items resulting from meetings with elected officials, government agencies, and external partners.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree and four years' related experience required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Communication: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across internal units and with senior government and external stakeholders.
- Organization and Project Management: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a highly collaborative environment.
- Collaboration and Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to build trust and maintain productive working relationships with diverse internal teams, public officials, and external partners.
- Discretion and Professional Judgment: Ability to handle sensitive information and navigate political dynamics with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW
Assists in establishing and maintaining relationships with external entities and communities, representing the College's positions and interests
- Serves as a liaison to one or more external organizations, representing the College and building working relationships with the leadership of these organizations
- Plans and implements communications campaigns, working with publications staff
- Develops an understanding of the concerns of external organizations and communicates these to appropriate College management
- Plans public activities and contributes to marketing of College activities and programs to external groups
- With College publications and editorial personnel, plans, writes, and produces publicity materials and other external communications
- May maintain relationships with media representatives
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Job Title Name: Communications and College Relations Specialist
CUNY TITLE Higher Education Assistant
FLSA Non-exempt
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary range is $76,937 - $86,741, commensurate with education and experience.
CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.
HOW TO APPLY
No job description available
CLOSING DATE April 2, 2026
JOB SEARCH CATEGORY CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional
