Administrative Assistant III

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Administrative Assistant III position provides comprehensive support to 4–6 University Major Gift Officers who manage donor portfolios with the potential for gifts of $250,000 or more. Key responsibilities include data coordination, reporting, presidential acknowledgements, work-plan support, travel arrangements, and occasional event logistics. The role also ensures compliance with division policies, contributes to team-wide administrative projects, and requires strong technical proficiency with a variety of software applications. This role is located at Seneca Place in downtown Ithaca and is not based on the Ithaca Main Campus. The ideal candidate is curious, open-minded, and genuinely excited about this work, eager to learn how fundraising operations work, understand Cornell's mission, and master the systems that support donor relationships. The right person enjoys diving into detailed processes, collaborating effectively with colleagues, and takes pride in work that helps Cornell achieve its goals.

Requirements

• High school diploma and 2–4 years of relevant administrative experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), internet applications, databases, networked information systems, and report-writing software.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects for multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Experience with data entry, reporting, and administrative support.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and software systems.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree with 2-4 years of practical office experience.
• Experience working with PeopleSoft.
• Experience working with OBIEE.
• Experience working with Tableau.
• Experience working with Zoom.
• Experience working with Concur is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive data entry and management for Major Gift prospects using PeopleSoft, including solicitations, visits, stewardship, nominations, and events.
• Support OBIEE and Tableau reporting, prospect tracking, and work-plan data entry processes.
• Assist with gift tracking and resolve accounting-related questions in coordination with Advancement Services.
• Provide travel coordination support for Major Gift Officers using Concur, including itineraries, account codes, travel profiles, and logistics consultation.
• Deliver administrative and technical support for Microsoft Office applications, including managing invitation lists, correspondence, stewardship mailings, and related materials.
• Support event planning and logistics for on- and off-campus events, including invitation design, RSVP tracking, reporting, and coordination of catering and supplies.
• Manage calendaring in Outlook, schedule Zoom meetings, and coordinate daily mail distribution, filing, and processing of gift checks and documents.
• Maintain accurate routing, filing, and distribution of electronic and paper records.
• Provide coverage for colleagues and assist with department-wide projects and initiatives as needed.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with relevant technologies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, required trainings, and position qualifications.
• Contribute to team effectiveness by attending meetings, sharing ideas, and supporting departmental goals.
• Take on additional assigned duties, including tasks that may fall above or below standard classification as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care options
• Generous retirement contributions
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Health and personal leave
• Three weeks of vacation
• 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Two additional floating holidays
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
• Tuition aid for external education
• Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED