Assistant Director, Career Pathways- Cornell Duffield Engineering Office of External Collaboration and Innovation (Hybrid)

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

9d•$72,209 - $77,625•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cornell Duffield Engineering Office of External Collaboration and Innovation empowers students to explore and pursue meaningful career paths by connecting them with real-world opportunities in industry, research, entrepreneurship, and public impact. Through a broad network of employer, alumni, and campus partnerships, we support inclusive and strategic talent development pipelines. Corporate and employer engagement is a cornerstone of our work—we collaborate closely with colleagues across Cornell to help industry partners identify, recruit, and invest in the exceptional talent and research collaboration opportunities within Cornell Duffield Engineering. The Career Pathways team within the Office of External Collaboration and Innovation is dedicated to supporting students as they explore and pursue diverse, purpose-driven futures in engineering and beyond. We empower students to identify and navigate pathways in industry, entrepreneurship, research, graduate education, and social impact through inclusive programming.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in program management, student services, innovation/entrepreneurship programming, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation
Proven ability to manage budgets, including grant obligations and reporting requirements
Strong analytical skills with ability to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience developing marketing materials and reports
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgment in complex situations
Proficiency in project management and organizational systems
Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, particularly within engineering or STEM disciplines
Background in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, or commercialization programs
Knowledge of cooperative education (co-op) programs and industry partnerships
Experience with student organization advising and leadership development
Grant writing experience and familiarity with external funding sources
Experience with event planning and competition management
Understanding of intellectual property and technology commercialization processes
Familiarity with assessment and evaluation methodologies for educational programs

Responsibilities

Serves as a strategic program leader within the Corporate and Employer Engagement Team of the Office of External Collaboration and Innovation at Cornell Duffield Engineering.
Responsible for conceptualizing and executing student-facing initiatives that bridge engineering education with real-world career exploration, employer engagement, and innovation experiences.
Advances programming that helps students connect their technical expertise to diverse post-graduate opportunities, with a focus on inclusive and equitable access.
Manages key programs including the Engineering Co-op Program, as well as new initiatives aligned with talent development pipelines in industry, entrepreneurship, and public service.
Works collaboratively across the college and university, serving as a liaison to academic units, faculty, student organizations, career development professionals across the Cornell Career Network, and external stakeholders.
Develops innovative, student-centered programming that reflects institutional priorities and workforce trends.
Identifies emerging fields, industries, and talent pathways to inform new initiatives.
Builds trust and fosters collaboration with students, faculty, employers, and campus partners.
Designs and delivers programs that are accessible and relevant for students from all backgrounds.
Applies creative problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset that supports innovation, iteration, and responsiveness to student needs.
Collects and applies data for ongoing assessment, adaptation, and reporting.
Manages multiple concurrent projects and events with high attention to quality, detail, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Inspires participation and shared ownership of initiatives.
Engages in ongoing professional development and learning.
Coaches or mentors students and peers.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
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