Chief Administrator to the Provost

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Provost works to maintain and enhance the university’s excellence in teaching, scholarship and outreach, and is responsible for strategic planning and budgeting, tenure and promotion, academic and research initiatives and general academic supervision of the Ithaca campus. The Provost is the university’s chief academic officer and chief budget officer and serves as the president’s first deputy officer. The Provost oversees all academic programs and units of the university, other than those reporting to the provost for medical affairs. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Provost works directly with the deans of the colleges, schools and faculties and with the Vice Provosts as well as other members of the Provost’s executive staff. Are you a strategic leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence? We invite you to apply for the role of Chief Administrator to the Provost, a highly visible and impactful position that serves as a trusted partner to one of the university’s foremost academic leaders. Reporting directly to the Provost, the Chief Administrator to the Provost plays a critical leadership role in advancing institutional priorities and driving strategic initiatives across the university. This position provides senior-level administrative leadership for the Provost’s Office, ensuring operational effectiveness while aligning closely with the university’s mission, values, and long-term goals. You will act as a central connector, partnering with university leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to move ideas into action, anticipate emerging opportunities and challenges, and ensure meaningful progress on high-priority initiatives set forth by the Provost. In this role, you’ll shape meaningful institutional outcomes, contribute to a vibrant academic community, and work alongside dedicated leaders committed to excellence and inclusion. Your work will directly influence how the university advances its mission and supports the success of its students, faculty, and staff. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Master’s Degree and minimum of 5 years of significant executive administrative support experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships at all levels and with all constituencies (internal and external).
Ability to work independently, establish and accomplish priorities, coordinate projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with tact and discretion.
High degree of initiative, judgment and creative problem-solving abilities are necessary in this role as well as excellent problem solving and analytical abilities.
Proficiency with personal computers for word processing, database management, spreadsheet analysis, presentations, calendar management and electronic communication.
Position works with a high degree of autonomy, independent judgment, and decision making, requiring the incumbent to act independently and with confidence in their decision-making ability.
Must exercise discretion and confidentiality in all matters.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a higher education environment preferred.
Knowledge of Cornell’s administrative structure highly desirable.
Previous experience in supporting higher education leadership.

Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership and administrative oversight for the Provost’s Office
Serve as the liaison for core administrative functions including Finance, HR, IT, and Facilities
Identify challenges and opportunities proactively, conduct analysis, and recommend solutions
Act on behalf of the Provost to advance decisions and initiatives
Prepare executive materials for key leadership meetings (e.g., dean’s meetings, Provost Staff Council, leadership retreats, and others as needed)
Monitor institutional dynamics and advise the Provost on emerging issues and next steps
Serve as a primary liaison between the Provost and internal/external stakeholders
Facilitate cross-campus collaboration to advance strategic priorities
Ensure the Provost is fully prepared for engagements, including events, meetings, and communications
Partner with executive support staff to optimize scheduling, workflows, and information flow
Draft complex and confidential correspondence, reports, and presentations
Manage and prioritize communications on behalf of the Provost
Support executive-level personnel processes, including appointments, reviews, and sensitive faculty matters
Maintain organized, secure documentation and support decision-making with high-quality materials
Collaborate with senior leaders (academic deans, vice provosts, vice presidents) to advance initiatives
Represent the Provost in meetings and with stakeholder groups
Support shared governance processes with thoughtful engagement and follow-through
Plan and execute high-level projects, including Board of Trustees academic affairs work
Coordinate meetings, agendas, materials, and follow-up for committees and leadership groups
Conduct research, analyze data, and prepare reports for executive audiences
Track progress, deadlines, and outcomes of key initiatives
Help foster a collaborative and supportive environment within the Provost’s Office
Partner with the President’s Office to align processes, share best practices, and ensure continuity
Provide occasional cross-office support and coverage 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