Administrative Assistant, University Corporate and Foundation Relations

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of University Foundation Relations and Corporate Philanthropy (UFRCP) in the Alumni Affairs & Development (AAD) division builds university-wide relationships that maximize corporate and foundation philanthropy to Cornell University. We are looking for a team member who will grow with us as we increase foundation and corporate support for Cornell’s strategic priorities. The Opportunity Are you an organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys building relationships, managing complex projects, and supporting meaningful work? Join the University Foundation Relations and Corporate Philanthropy (UFRCP) team and play a vital role in connecting our institution's faculty, programs, and students with foundation and corporate partners whose support helps drive innovation, research, and impact. As the Administrative Assistant with University Foundation Relations and Corporate Philanthropy, you will be a trusted partner to a collaborative team of fundraising professionals, providing administrative, operational, and programmatic support to the Director, Senior Associate Director, and two Associate Directors. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to work that strengthens the university's ability to secure philanthropic investments and advance its strategic priorities. We are seeking a proactive, resourceful, and customer-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys balancing multiple priorities, and is committed to excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Requirements

A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
High school diploma and 2 to 4 years professional office experience with a strong customer service element, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Must be detail oriented and have the demonstrated ability and organizational skills to establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
Able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with the ability to further develop skills in these applications when necessary.
Ability to learn AAD tools such as PeopleSoft/CRM, OBIEE, Tableau, and Salesforce.
Must be a self-motivated, resourceful, and reliable person capable of working in a dynamic environment as part of an energetic, supportive, and intellectually curious team and able to perform many job-related duties unassisted after initial training.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively – excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills required.
Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Flexibility, sound judgment, integrity, and sense of humor are essential.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an academic, advancement/development, or research environment or equivalent combination.
Interest or experience working in fundraising and/or grants administration is helpful.
Advanced proficiency in project management platforms and advanced presentation design.

Responsibilities

Managing calendars, appointments, meetings, and event schedules.
Coordinating both routine and complex travel arrangements and preparing itineraries.
Processing travel reimbursements and expense reports.
Maintaining project and program calendars.
Assisting with foundation and corporate visits, special events, registrations, hospitality arrangements, logistics, and event briefings.
Taking meeting notes and tracking follow-up actions as needed.
Entering and maintaining contact reports and solicitation information within CRM systems.
Retrieving and compiling donor, prospect, and giving-history information.
Creating reports, spreadsheets, databases, and other materials that support strategic decision-making.
Ensuring accuracy and integrity of information across systems and records.
Conducting basic research on foundations, corporations, and funding opportunities.
Preparing and distributing funding opportunity communications to academic and administrative units.
Assisting with reports, presentations, and stewardship materials.
Designing professional slide decks, reports, website content, and other communications materials.
Supporting donor stewardship activities, including invoice coordination, progress-report tracking, campus visits, and virtual engagement events.
Serving as a friendly first point of contact for inquiries by phone and email.
Responding to routine requests and directing inquiries appropriately.
Maintaining shared files, documentation, policies, and procedures.
Drafting correspondence, presentations, spreadsheets, and other business documents.
Managing office supplies, equipment, and inventory.
Supporting team retreats, meetings, and departmental activities.
Assisting with procurement, reimbursements, and financial transactions.
Updating website content and helping ensure information remains accurate and accessible.
Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices.
Contribute ideas that support department goals and continuous improvement.
Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

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