Assistant to the AAD Associate Vice Presidents for Colleges and Units

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University’s Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) division seeks a highly organized, proactive, and relationship-driven professional to provide high-level administrative and operational support to two Associate Vice Presidents (AVPs) for Colleges and Units. The role serves as a central point of coordination for the College/Unit Leadership team and works with senior leaders, faculty, and staff across the university. It requires sound judgment, discretion, independence, and professionalism in handling confidential matters in a fast-paced and complex environment. The position coordinates the AVPs’ calendars, meetings, communications, and travel; supports leadership events and search committees; and manages projects, timelines, documentation, and budget administration. The role also contributes to process improvements, special projects, professional development, and administrative cross-training, including backup for the Senior Associate Vice President Office’s administrative team. This position is eligible for a hybrid arrangement, typically working on campus two days per week and remotely three days per week. The stated pay range is $29.45–$33.82 per hour. 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, including advanced proficiency across the Microsoft suite and experience with 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, and perform well under pressure while managing 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.
A cover letter and resume outlining interest and how experience and goals align with the role are required for consideration.

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 AVPs and align scheduling with strategic priorities.
Coordinate meetings among 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 AVPs and leadership team.
Provide strategic input on messaging, agendas, and meeting planning.
Handle sensitive and confidential correspondence with discretion.
Facilitate information flow across AAD 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 initiatives such as annual work plans, stewardship reporting, and partnership agreements.
Maintain and update policy documents, project plans, and key deadlines; ensure essential documentation is accurate and accessible.
Assist with oversight of the Colleges and Units operating budget and support annual budget development, forecasting, and ongoing financial tracking.
Participate in professional development and training.
Contribute ideas and improvements to team processes and support special projects and evolving departmental needs.
Participate in administrative cross-training and provide backup to the Senior Associate Vice President Office’s administrative team.
Support a welcoming atmosphere for guests and model values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

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 and 13 holidays, including an end-of-year winter break from December 25 through 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.