Assistant Director of Operations

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

23h•$72,209 - $82,644•Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS) seeks an experienced and collaborative Assistant Director to lead a team of pre-award professionals and oversee the delivery of high-quality research administration services. This position provides leadership from proposal development through submission, serves as a Grants and Contracts Officer (GCO), and works closely with faculty, staff, college leadership, and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to support the successful pursuit of external research funding. The Assistant Director supervises and manages grant coordinator staff, oversees workflow and proposal coverage, and ensures the effective and timely delivery of pre-award support services with a strong emphasis on customer service. The position partners with the OPAS Director and CALS leadership to translate strategic priorities into effective team practices, policies, procedures, and operational efficiencies.

Requirements

Prior supervisory experience
Signature and transaction authority
Familiarity with sponsored research
Ability to work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and effectively manage responsibilities with minimal oversight
A Bachelor’s Degree with 3 – 5 years of progressively responsible experience with sponsored research administration, including research proposals and budget preparation, proposal submission systems or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience effectively supervising, managing, and leading staff and fostering a spirit of collegiality and teamwork.
Excellent computer skills, exceptional customer service skills, strong oral and written communication skills as well as organizational skills and attention to detail.
Experience handling confidential materials and sensitive information with the utmost tact and discretion.
Establishing appropriate individual priorities and demonstrating initiative and self-direction to follow through on all areas of responsibility and functioning as part of the team are required.
Demonstrated a positive and professional attitude with a commitment to continuous growth and learning.
The ability to function effectively under pressure, demonstrating sound judgment while ensuring critical deadlines are met, and adherence to university policies and procedures are upheld.
Experience working in an environment where change in process/procedures is common.
Position requires meeting critical deadlines which will occasionally necessitate evening and weekend work.
Completed Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position.
Compliance with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.

Nice To Haves

Turning Point and Harold Craft (recommendations for training)
Three years of progressively complex experience in central administrative offices at department, college or university level.
Must have experience with research proposal and budget preparation, proposal submission systems, i.e. Fastlane, Grants.gov, Commons.
Familiarity with scientific and legal terms is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise the OPAS grant coordinator team, including managing workflow, triaging proposal coverage, onboarding and training staff, and supporting professional development.
Oversee pre-award operations and services, identifying opportunities to improve processes, efficiencies, and customer service in partnership with the OPAS Director and CALS leadership.
Serve as a Grants and Contracts Officer (GCO) for assigned CALS departments, providing guidance to faculty, staff, and students throughout proposal development and submission.
Review and approve proposals and budgets for compliance with university, federal, state, and sponsor-specific requirements, exercising signature authority for designated sponsors.
Collaborate across CALS and OSP with faculty, administrative managers, the Grant Proposal Team, and research administration colleagues to ensure timely, accurate, and effective proposal submissions.
Serve as an alternate CALS GCO, providing backup coverage and ensuring continuity of pre-award services 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