Assistant to the AAD Associate Vice Presidents for Colleges and Units

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

9d • $29 - $34 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University’s Alumni Affairs and Development division is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and relationship-driven professional to provide high-level administrative and operational support to the Associate Vice Presidents for Colleges and Units. The role supports senior leadership across a diverse portfolio of university colleges and units and serves as a central point of coordination for the College/Unit Leadership team. It involves interaction with senior leaders, faculty, and staff across the institution and contributes to advancing the division’s priorities. The position requires sound judgment, discretion, independence, and the ability to handle confidential matters professionally in a fast-paced and complex environment.

The Assistant coordinates complex calendars, meetings, travel, leadership events, and search committee schedules; prepares agendas and materials; and manages follow-ups and reimbursements. The role drafts and coordinates communications, provides input on messaging and meeting planning, facilitates information flow, and coordinates intranet communications for Colleges and Units. It also oversees projects and timelines, tracks deliverables, maintains policy and project documentation, and assists with operating budget oversight, budget development, forecasting, and financial tracking. Additional duties include professional development, process improvement, special projects, and administrative cross-training and backup for the Senior Associate Vice President Office’s administrative team.

The position is eligible for a hybrid arrangement, typically working on campus two days per week and remotely three days per week. The pay range is $29.45–$33.82 per hour. A cover letter and resume are required. Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree and 4–6 years of relevant experience in a fast-paced office environment, or an equivalent combination.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a customer-service orientation.
• Strong computer skills, especially advanced use of the Microsoft programs suite, PeopleSoft, and Tableau.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate large volumes of work and information generated by the Associate Vice Presidents.
• Exceptional organization and ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments under very tight deadlines.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive material.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, work well under pressure, and manage varied tasks.
• Positive leadership and sensitivity when dealing with alumni, staff, and academic and unit leadership.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Cover letter and resume outlining interest and alignment of experience and goals with the role.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to navigate and interpret data.
• Experience providing support at the senior management and/or executive level to multiple individuals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate complex, high-volume calendars for two Associate Vice Presidents and align scheduling with strategic priorities.
• Coordinate meetings involving multiple stakeholders with competing demands; prepare agendas and materials and manage follow-ups.
• Plan and execute travel logistics, including itineraries, briefings, and reimbursements.
• Coordinate leadership meetings, events, and search committee schedules.
• Draft and coordinate internal and external communications on behalf of the Associate Vice Presidents and leadership team.
• Provide input on messaging, agendas, and meeting planning; handle sensitive correspondence discreetly.
• Facilitate information flow across Alumni Affairs and Development and university leadership.
• Coordinate intranet communications for Colleges and Units.
• Oversee division-wide projects and timelines in partnership with colleagues.
• Track deliverables across colleges and units to support accountability and progress.
• Support annual work plans, stewardship reporting, and partnership agreements.
• Maintain and update policy documents, project plans, key deadlines, and essential documentation.
• Assist with oversight of the Colleges and Units operating budget, annual budget development, forecasting, and ongoing financial tracking.
• Participate in professional development and training, contribute process improvements, and support special projects and evolving departmental needs.
• Cross-train administratively and provide backup to the Senior Associate Vice President Office’s administrative team.
• Support a welcoming atmosphere for guests and interact sensitively with alumni, staff, and academic and unit leadership.

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, and two floating holidays.
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
• Tuition aid for external education.
• Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree