Logo
Cornell University

Temporary Digital Content Assistant (Lab of Ornithology); Ithaca, New York

Cornell University, Northeast Ithaca, New York, United States

Save Job

Temporary Digital Content Assistant Temporary Communications Assistant

Nonexempt Lab of Ornithology

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

Who We Are CALS is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well‑being.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a renowned nonprofit, member‑supported institution dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of birds, wildlife, and our shared planet through research, education, citizen science, and conservation. We join with people from all backgrounds and abilities to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and foster conservation action. Our collaborative relationship with the broader Cornell community allows us to tackle the big challenges for science and society, and to translate cutting‑edge science, technology, and storytelling into real‑world impact. Our online resources allow millions of people around the globe to deepen their connection with the natural world.

What You Will Do As a Temporary Digital Content Assistant, you will publish content on the Cornell Lab's All About Birds website, the most authoritative online resource for North American birds with more than 17 million viewers every year. All About Birds is the online home of the Cornell Lab's flagship publication, Living Bird, and an online bird guide that contains more than 600 species accounts. The position also supports the Lab's institutional website, birds.cornell.edu, and a variety of other project websites. Other duties include:

Work with senior editor for digital content to post each issue of the quarterly

Living Bird

magazine.

Design layouts, formats, approaches, content, levels and mediums necessary to meet production objectives.

Coordinate production of web/email content from concept to mock‑ups and reviews to final publishing.

Ensure websites meet accessibility requirements.

Track web update assets using spreadsheets to ensure prearranged update schedules are met.

Use web‑based content management systems (WordPress, JAG, AMS, and others) to create/edit content on Lab websites.

What We Need We are looking for someone with an excellent work ethic who appreciates birds and wildlife. We need a talented individual with excellent communication skills who can build and maintain effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

Associate's degree and 4+ years of online communications experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Familiarity with principles of user experience, visual layout, design, and accessibility.

Must be extremely organized, efficient, and have the highest standards for grammatical and visual consistency, function, accuracy, and photo quality.

Ability to meet deadlines is essential.

Proficiency in web content management tools, particularly WordPress, HTML, and image editing software such as Photoshop, Figma, Canva; ability to learn, operate, and troubleshoot in custom CMS systems (JAG, AMS).

Proficiency in Acrobat and Microsoft Office applications.

Proven ability to work in a team environment where cooperation between colleagues and flexibility to different styles and approaches is required.

Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and well‑being.

Experience with North American birds and bird identification.

Ability to produce content that models the Lab's brand voice and tone.

Ability to write short, clear, web-accessible headlines.

Experience in providing scientific content to the general public on the web is helpful, as is experience in multimedia presentation.

Temporary Position Details This is a temporary, part-time position at 80% FTE, 32 hours per week, and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a six-month term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

This position is eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, with hybrid preferred. Employees typically perform this role remotely four days per week within New York State and on‑site one day per week in Ithaca, New York. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $30.00/hour.

How to Apply You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter. When applying through our system, please attach your application materials. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.

EEO Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

#J-18808-Ljbffr