Posted on September 21, 2012

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Director of Communication

The Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, a joint center of New York University School of Law and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU, is the leading academic research center in New York City devoted to the public policy aspects of land use, real estate development and housing.

The Furman Center invites applications for a Communication Director. The Communication Director will work closely with the Furman Center’s Policy Director and senior management team to develop and implement the Center’s overall communication strategy, with the goal of increasing awareness of the Furman Center’s research and policy work to the public, media and other stakeholders, and to promote its various initiatives and projects to a diverse group of constituents. This is a one-person communication shop, and we are looking for candidates to perform and manage both the strategic and the day-to-day tactical elements of the position. Specifically, the Communication Director will:

• Publicize the release of Furman Center research and reports, events and other initiatives and secure high level media placement and awareness among all major stakeholders;
• Write and distribute press releases, media talking points, announcements and letters to Furman Center constituents,
  
• Respond to press inquiries and data requests from other organizations,
  
• Develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts; reach out to reporters and editors through targeted release and pitches, report mailings, etc.,
  
• Help strategize new opportunities to feature Furman Center research, data and experts in mainstream media and trade publications, including blogs, placing op-ed, commentary and blog posts.
• Manage the production of the annual State of New York City’s Housing and Neighborhoods report from conceptualization to publication; provide analytical framing, writing, editing, and proofreading, and work with designer/printer on layout and printing.
• Oversee the quality and accuracy of all Furman Center products to ensure that all web, print and other collateral materials have a consistent and professional look; this includes the careful review and proofreading of all Furman Center reports, papers, fact briefs and policy briefs for quality assurance, and working with designers, printers and other vendors to maintain a consistent visual brand.
• Manage the Center’s website and social media presence. Regularly update the website, Facebook and Twitter; track analytics and usage trends; integrate interactive features and data visualization; identify blogs and other issue-specific venues to publicize our work.
• Write and produce Furman Center communications, including brochures, annual reports, press kits, announcements, newsletters and related publications, and oversee and edit the bi-weekly HND newsletter.
• Work with community-based organizations and private sector Furman Center data users to maximize impact of our data services; triage calls from community organizations and users interested in our data services
• Train and directly supervise one or more student research assistants to assist with communication activities, ensuring both a meaningful student experience and a high-quality contribution to achieving the communications strategy

Qualifications: Master’s degree in public administration or related field, and 3-5 years relevant work experience in communication, external affairs, public relations, or similar positions. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as communication, social media, and media relations experience; strong supervisory and project management skills; a demonstrated ability to multi-task and problem solve; and strong organizational and team management skills. Experience or knowledge of housing, community development and land use policy issues, and with academic research and quantitative methods, are a plus. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel, and html or Dreamweaver, required.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume, the names and contact information of three references, and a writing sample to furmancenter@nyu.edu – include “Communication Director” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.