Job Description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).

The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.

We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.

Primary Location:

LEHMAN COLLEGE

Bargaining Unit:

No

The CUNY Mexican Studies Institute (MSI) seeks a bilingual (English and Spanish) Communications and Media Relations Coordinator to design and implement communications, public relations, outreach, and community engagement strategies that enhance the visibility and impact of the Institute’s academic, cultural, and public-facing programs. The selected candidate will develop and strengthen relationships with media outlets, journalists, community organizations, cultural institutions, and strategic partners; coordinate bilingual public outreach and information campaigns; and produce content for digital, print, and multimedia platforms in both Spanish and English. The Coordinator will also support the promotion of the Institute’s research, publications, academic programs, events, cultural initiatives, and community-based projects through innovative communication strategies designed to engage diverse audiences.

The Coordinator will play a key role in strengthening the public presence of the Mexican Studies Institute and expanding its reach and impact among the diverse communities of the CUNY system, throughout New York City, and in academic, cultural, and community spaces at the national and international levels where the Institute maintains programs, partnerships, and strategic initiatives. Through communications, outreach, and relationship-building efforts, the Coordinator will help broaden and diversify the Institute’s audiences while fostering greater engagement with its mission, programs, research, and projects.

POSITION DETAILS

• Develop and implement communications, marketing, and outreach strategies that strengthen the mission and visibility of the Mexican Studies Institute at CUNY, both on campus and beyond.
• Create, edit, and manage content for the Mexican Studies Institute’s website, newsletters, social media platforms, institutional reports, promotional materials, and other communication channels.
• Design and implement bilingual (Spanish-English) campaigns to promote academic programs, conferences, exhibitions, workshops, cultural festivals, the New York City International Book Fair (FILNYC), and other initiatives of the Mexican Studies Institute.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, promotional materials, speeches, newsletters, and other institutional communications on behalf of the Mexican Studies Institute.
• Establish and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, community media organizations, and strategic partners to expand the reach and visibility of the Institute’s activities.
• Manage the Institute’s digital presence and coordinate communication strategies across social media and other digital platforms.
• Collaborate with faculty, students, artists, researchers, community organizations, and cultural and academic institutions to develop communication and outreach materials for the Mexican Studies Institute.
• Coordinate photography, video, multimedia production, and digital storytelling projects that document and promote the Institute’s programs and initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies through audience metrics, media coverage analysis, and public engagement assessments.
• Ensure consistency in the Institute’s visual identity and institutional messaging across all communication materials.
• Support the promotion and dissemination of events, special projects, exhibitions, and institutional initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Mexican Studies Institute, the New York City International Book Fair (FILNYC), and other Institute initiatives.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Media Studies, Digital Communications, Literature, or a related field. Minimum of four years of professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, media, content production, or related areas.

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required by program schedules, special events, and institutional activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, students, artists, researchers, community organizations, cultural institutions, and other strategic partners.
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English; excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills in both languages; and experience developing and managing bilingual campaigns and content for diverse communities is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated interest in higher education, Mexican and Latino studies, culture, the humanities, academic research, the arts, community engagement, and public communications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute to innovative communications, cultural outreach, and public engagement projects.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to Mexican, Mexican American, Latino, and immigrant communities, as well as experience working in academic, cultural, artistic, or community-based settings, is highly desirable.
• Experience creating content for websites, newsletters, social media platforms, digital communication campaigns, and storytelling initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media management platforms (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc.), and web content management systems.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, students, community organizations, cultural institutions, media outlets, and external partners of the Mexican Studies Institute.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong bilingual public speaking and presentation skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in higher education institutions, museums, cultural organizations, community-based organizations, or nonprofit institutions.
• Knowledge of Mexican, Mexican American, Latino, and immigrant communities, as well as issues related to their cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences.
• Experience in media relations, public affairs, strategic communications, and community engagement.
• Experience in graphic design, photography, video production, and multimedia storytelling.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, WordPress, email marketing platforms, and audience analytics tools.
• Experience developing bilingual communication campaigns and outreach strategies for diverse and multicultural audiences.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a bilingual communications professional with experience in media relations, strategic communications, content creation, and public outreach. They should possess excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish, as well as the ability to translate academic research, cultural programming, and community initiatives into compelling and accessible narratives for diverse audiences. Strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and experience working with Mexican, Mexican American, Latino, and immigrant communities are highly valued. Experience in academic, cultural, community-based, or nonprofit institutions is also preferred.

Pay Range:

Minimum - Maximum: $54,313.06

RFCUNY Benefits

RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.