Assistant Director, Public Engagement, Cornell Tech (NYC)

About the Urban Tech Hub at Cornell Tech’s Jacob’s Institute

The Jacobs Urban Tech Hub at Cornell Tech is an academic center in New York City that generates applied research, fosters an expanding tech ecosystem, and cultivates a new generation of urban technology leaders. We approach “urban tech” as an emerging sector of technology encompassing innovations that make cities more connected, livable, efficient, and accessible for people and businesses alike.

We bring a human-centered approach to urban tech focused on users by advancing technology research and education to build a better world by increasing access and opportunity within the tech sector. The Hub bridges the gap between academic resources and public needs, organizing strategic partnerships between researchers, industry, communities, and government.

About the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute

The Jacobs Institute fosters radical experimentation at the intersection of research, education, and entrepreneurship. Established jointly by Cornell University and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, our mission is to transform key industries through technological innovation, deep-tech startups, and uniquely skilled talent.  

Position Summary:

• Develop and implement strategies for public engagement and partnerships that align with the Urban Tech Hub’s mission and vision. 

• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the NYC tech sector, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other academic institutions. 

• Coordinate and manage events, workshops, and public programs to promote the Hub’s activities and foster community involvement. 

• Work closely with the Hub’s leadership and other Cornell Tech teams to integrate public engagement and partnership goals into broader strategic plans. 

• Lead the development of communication materials and outreach efforts to effectively showcase the Hub’s projects, research and achievements. 

• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of public engagement and partnership initiatives, making data-driven recommendations for improvement. 

• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among partners and stakeholders to advance the Hub’s goals and impact. 

• Monitor events budget and handle financial responsibilities associated with engaging consultants hired for communications, design, webinars or other internal and external events. 

This is a full-time benefits-eligible staff position with a two-year appointment with the potential for renewal. The work location is the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Starting Salary Range: $74,800-$82,600

Position Responsibilities

Program Management- 30%

• Develop strategies and implementation plans for the Hubs public programs both in New York City and nationally.  

• Manage day-to-day logistics for program development, marketing and production. 

• Monitor events budget and handle financial responsibilities associated with engaging consultants hired for communications, design, webinars or other internal and external events. 

• May hire and supervise student workers for Urban Tech Hub 

Events Planning- 25%

• Manage and produce public programming and events, including the Hub’s signature Urban Tech Summit, online webinars and other educational events.

Communication- 20%

• Document and amplify the Hub’s vision, mission, programs and research in all stages 

• Develop and deploy a communications strategy for the Hub’s programs 

​Stakeholder Engagement- 15%

• Communicate and confer with key partners and stakeholders; including academic colleagues, funders, government partners and industry leaders. 

Other position-related responsibilities- 10%

• Participate in projects with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.  

Required Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field. 

• 3- 5 years of experience in public engagement, partnerships, or r