Architecture Travel and Finance Coordinator

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Architecture seeks a Finance and Operations Coordinator to support departmental priorities across financial transactions and travel, event coordination, and day-to-day office operations. The role works with faculty, students, staff, visitors, and colleagues across the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), providing guidance on purchasing and relevant policies and procedures. Responsibilities include processing transactions, assisting with account reporting and reconciliations, researching discrepancies, coordinating procurement, and supporting the semesterly course-budget process. The coordinator also helps faculty and students plan course-related travel and field trips, arranges travel for department visitors, and maintains records of related expenses. The position plans and coordinates departmental events, including space and service requests, guest and vendor communications, and expense monitoring. It also supports daily office operations by responding to inquiries, maintaining supplies and records, coordinating routine administrative needs, and connecting people with resources. The role calls for a welcoming, service-minded approach, sound judgment, considerable autonomy, adaptability, and collaboration. The coordinator provides backup support as needed and contributes ideas to make operations more effective and inclusive, helping foster belonging and a healthy work environment through respectful communication and care for others. The position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, typically remote up to one day per week and on campus four days per week. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 40 hours per week. The university may modify or end the hybrid arrangement. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and 2–4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, professionalism, and commitment to excellent service.
Ability to build effective, inclusive working relationships with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, careful attention to detail, a proactive approach, and sound judgment.
Flexibility to adjust priorities and take appropriate action when circumstances are uncertain.
Proficiency with typical business software, including Microsoft Office Suite and financial management tools, or ability to gain fluency quickly.
Ability to learn new systems and adapt to changing policies and procedures.
Demonstrated success in planning events.
Experience in or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree and additional experience in a busy office or academic setting.
Experience using Airtable.
Familiarity with Cornell-specific systems, policies, and procedures; the ability to learn them quickly and keep knowledge current is valued.

Responsibilities

Process financial transactions and assist with account reporting and reconciliations.
Research financial discrepancies and coordinate procurement.
Support the semesterly course-budget process.
Help faculty and students plan course-related travel and field trips.
Arrange travel for department visitors and maintain accurate records of travel-related expenses.
Plan and coordinate departmental events, including space and service requests and guest and vendor communications.
Monitor departmental event expenses.
Respond to inquiries and maintain office supplies and records.
Coordinate routine administrative needs and connect people with appropriate resources.
Provide backup support as needed and contribute ideas to improve operational effectiveness and inclusion.
Foster a welcoming, respectful, collaborative, and service-oriented experience for people interacting with the department.