Special Assistant to the Associate Vice President, Communications and External Relations

Job Description As a trusted operational partner to the AVP, this role coordinates a range of integrated activities across the Communications and External Relations division and supports work related to earned and new media, high‑profile events, and special projects. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to project management; research and reporting; press outreach; writing; and scheduling and logistics. The portfolio includes the college, the FIT Foundation, and The Museum at FIT. The role requires periodic after‑hours work to support initiatives and crisis communications. Location: New York, NY Category: Professional / Administrator Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Wed Jun 24 2026 Responsibilities & Essential Functions Communications, Media & Brand Support Contribute to the development and execution of integrated communications strategies and play a key role in agency relations and project tracking. Assist the AVP and project leads with the logistics and coordination of press, photography, and video. Support the creation of communications materials and content, and update/maintain key departmental resources and reports. Cultivate and maintain relationships with media. Prepare and analyze research to help inform strategies to advance the goals of FIT. Administrative & Operational Facilitate and track the execution of projects by coordinating with and supporting project leads, and manage timelines to ensure accountability in the delivery of outcomes. Maintain the master department calendar and assist with meeting scheduling and preparation, as well as follow‑up action plans. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners, providing exceptional service and support. Ensure staff compliance with FIT policies and internal procedures. Other Support emergency and crisis communications functions as needed, tracking related press and social media discourse. Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned. Maintain heightened discretion with confidential information. The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position; other duties may be assigned consistent with the classification of the position. Job Requirements Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field. Minimum of five (5) years' professional experience in communications and/or marketing, preferably at a public relations/advertising agency, or in arts, culture or higher education communications. Experience supporting senior leadership. Preferred Qualifications 5‑10+ years' professional experience preferred. Experience in or familiarity with the fashion or design industries. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Detail‑oriented. Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, and track record of success in project management - with a major focus on details and planning. Proactive and enthusiastic, with a proven ability to perform in a fast‑paced environment, completing multiple projects on tight deadlines. Strong command and knowledge of social media and technology, with the ability to utilize all methodologies and platforms. Solid organizational and interpersonal abilities. Sound judgment in handling assignments and departmental priorities, with ability to meet competing deadlines and resolve problems efficiently. Confident and creative, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Ability to demonstrate discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information. Energized and nimble team player, committed to advancing the goals of FIT. Additional Information Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the background check process. Salary Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 per year; commensurate with experience and qualifications. Work Schedule Days/Hours: M-F, 9 am-5 pm; in person; work schedule subject to change based on needs of the department. Benefits The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides comprehensive employee benefit programs designed to help keep our faculty and staff and their families healthy, safe, happy, and productive. Our programs also include a variety of components to help our employees improve the quality and balance of their work and family lives, and to help them prepare for their futures. Retirement Plans Health Care Plan and Dental Plan Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Account Commuter Benefit Plan FIT Tuition Exemption Program Paid Time Off (Vacation, Personal, Sick and Holidays) 4‑day Summer Workweek Qualifying Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program For a full list of FIT benefits, visit our benefits webpage. Pay Equity by State Employers Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Visa Sponsorship This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Fashion Institute of Technology. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement FIT is firmly committed to creating an environment that will attract and retain people from a range of backgrounds. FIT is firmly committed to creating a learning and working environment that encourages, utilizes, respects, and appreciates the full expression of every individual's ability. The FIT community fosters its mission and grows because of its rich, pluralistic experience. FIT is committed to prohibiting discrimination, whether on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, partnership status, caregiver status, sexual and reproductive health decisions, uniformed service, height, weight, any lawful source of income, status as a victim of domestic violence or as a victim of sex offenses or stalking, whether children are, may be or would be residing with a person or conviction or arrest record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. FIT is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, including the opportunity for upward mobility for all qualified individuals. Applications from veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged. Inquiries regarding FIT's non‑discrimination policies may be directed to the Chief Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Annual Security Report The safety and well‑being of FIT's students, faculty, staff, and visitors is of paramount importance. Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, FIT publishes an annual report containing crime statistics and statements of security policy, accessible here: Safety Statistics . A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request by contacting Public Safety's administrative office number at (212) 217-4999. Physical Requirements And Work Environment The working conditions for this position will be primarily in an office space. The physical requirement for this position will require constant sitting, occasional standing, occasional bending, occasional walking, and occasionally lifting 10 lbs. or less. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fashion Institute of Technology