External Affairs Associate

Corriell Institute for Medical Research is looking to hire an External Affairs Associate to join its External Affairs Team.

Reporting to the External Affairs Manager, this position is responsible for supporting leadership and executing Coriell’s external communications, media relations, and community and constituent engagement plans.

The External Affairs Associate will possess a well‑versed background in strategic thinking and proven best practices in communications and government relations. Experience working with or within New Jersey government is required; experience working within a scientific organization would be an added asset.

• Manage public and media relations and draft communications, including press releases, speeches, presentations, and newsletters.
• With subject matter experts at Coriell, collect, summarize, and prepare information for external distribution, including talking points, legislative summaries, fact sheets, testimony, reports, and letters.
• Support communications for philanthropy and fundraising initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with IT on the upkeep and maintenance of Coriell’s internet websites; familiarity with Word Press or HTML coding is preferred.
• Coordinate with internal teams to manage social media presence.
• Build relationships with business, research, life sciences, higher education, and local organizations.
• Work directly with internal teams to help support various aspects of the Coriell Science Fair, which takes place in March of each year and features over 100 student participants.
• Support special events, projects, and other assigned duties related to External Affairs or Philanthropy.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Government Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, or Public Administration

• 4-6 years of experience working within or directly with New Jersey State Legislature
• Experience working in or with life sciences, healthcare, or research, non‑profit is highly encouraged.
• Needs strong writing skills, previous work products will be requested for candidates asked to interview.
• Ability to work independently when needed, but also an ability to be a forward‑facing and professional representative of the Institute.
• Ability to navigate and utilize Social media strategically is required. Previous work product will be requested for candidates asked to interview.
• Team player, collaborative, and able to work within cross‑functional teams is required.

Due to the nature of this role, this role would be expected and required to attend events/meetings that may fall outside of normal business hours. This includes traveling across the State of NJ as needed. This is non‑negotiable; candidates need reliable transportation to travel across the State of NJ.

The role would be on‑site 5 days a week for the first few months of employment; they will be afforded the opportunity to work a hybrid schedule, only coming on‑site 3 days a week, once their onboarding performance is reviewed by their manager.

This role starts at $55,000 annual salary per year and caps at $75,000, but a final offer of employment will be commensurate with relevant experience. This role would be eligible for benefits through Coriell, which would include participation in Coriell's 401(a) Retirement Plan – which is a 7% contribution based on gross, eligible wages.

Any offer of employment extended by Coriell is contingent on an applicant’s ability to be Authorized to Work in the United States of America. Upon date of hire, all employees are required to provide whatever valid Employment Authorization Documents they wish, as long as it is in compliance with Federal Regulations.

This job description/posting is to provide general guidance on the nature of work that will be performed in this position. It is not represented to be a full or exhaustive list of the duties, responsibilities, or qualifications needed for this role. Due to the nature of our work, the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications listed on this job description/posting are subject to change.