Administrative Office Coordinator

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE), within Cornell Duffield Engineering, is consistently placed among a handful of leading Operations Research programs worldwide. Cornell’s program in Operations Research and Information Engineering is a rigorous program with approximately 200 undergraduates, 125 Master of Engineering students, and 60 Ph.D. students. ORIE focuses on fundamental principles and methods but also uses contextual learning and design experiences to integrate science with engineering. The Opportunity Are you a highly organized professional who enjoys creating exceptional experiences for others, coordinating complex operations, and building strong relationships across a diverse community? The School of Operations Research and Information Engineering (ORIE) is seeking an Administrative Office Coordinator to serve as the central hub of our department's daily operations and events. In this highly visible role, you will be the welcoming face of the department and a trusted partner to faculty, students, staff, alumni, visitors, and external vendors. You will help create an environment where people feel supported, informed, and connected while ensuring the smooth functioning of office operations, academic events, and departmental programs. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic academic environment, enjoys balancing multiple priorities, and finds satisfaction in making systems, processes, and events run seamlessly.

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.
Associate's degree and 2-4 years of relevant administrative, operational, program coordination, or office management experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and administrative processes simultaneously.
Strong organizational systems and attention to detail.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Experience serving as a primary point of contact for diverse stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and follow through on assignments without close supervision.
Experience coordinating events as part of a broader administrative role.
Experience maintaining records, tracking recurring activities, and managing confidential information.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and shared collaboration platforms.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend departmental events, including Commencement during Memorial Day Weekend.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or another complex service-oriented organization.
Experience with procurement, reimbursements, travel coordination, or budget tracking.
Experience supervising student employees.

Responsibilities

Create a welcoming, professional, and inclusive environment for all visitors and community members.
Coordinate front-office operations and serve as a key resource for faculty, staff, students, and guests.
Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student employees who support office operations.
Manage conference room and departmental space reservations.
Coordinate office supply procurement, shipping, mail distribution, and equipment management.
Serve as a liaison with service providers and vendors.
Assist with basic audiovisual troubleshooting and office technology support.
Maintain shared departmental spaces to ensure they remain organized, functional, and welcoming.
Coordinate venues, travel, catering, lodging, budgets, communications, reimbursements, and logistics for events while ensuring events are executed successfully and within budget.
Schedule speakers and manage travel arrangements for seminar and colloquium programs.
Coordinate meeting schedules and event logistics for seminar and colloquium programs.
Support virtual and in-person presentations for seminar and colloquium programs.
Assist with advertising and communications for seminar and colloquium programs.
Process payments and reimbursements for seminar and colloquium programs.
Track budgets and prepare post-event reports for seminar and colloquium programs.
Identify opportunities to improve processes and operational efficiency.
Participate in special projects and departmental initiatives.
Maintain compliance with university policies and procedures.
Engage in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

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