Department Manager- Baker Institute for Animal Health (CVM)

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell University is seeking a strategic and collaborative Department Manager to lead administrative, financial, and human resource operations for one of the world's premier animal health research institutes. Reporting to the Director of the Baker Institute, this position serves as a key member of the leadership team and requires an exceptional people leader who combines emotional intelligence, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and staff development, creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive and achieve their full potential. In this position, you will oversee a complex portfolio of funding sources, including sponsored research, endowments, gifts, and college resources, while managing a high-performing administrative team and partnering closely with faculty, staff, and university stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of progressively responsible administrative or management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and complex fund administration.
• Experience navigating large, complex organizations and collaborating with senior leaders.
• Strong project management, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in administration, Business, Higher Education, or related field.
• Experience in higher education, research administration, or an academic environment.
• Experience supporting faculty and sponsored research activities.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Institute leadership to develop and implement short- and long-range operational and financial strategies.
• Oversee administration of a $10M+ portfolio consisting of grants, contracts, endowments, gifts, and unrestricted funds.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and resource planning activities.
• Supervise and mentor administrative staff, including finance, grants, and administrative support professionals.
• Serve as the primary liaison to centralized Human Resources, Finance, Sponsored Programs, and other university offices.
• Partner with faculty and HR to support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee relations, organizational development, and workforce planning.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase operational effectiveness and efficiency, including the responsible use of emerging technologies and AI-enabled workflows.
• Write and produce management reports, maintain, analyze and edit data utilizing database management programs.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, belonging, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the Institute.

Benefits

• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion
• An award-winning employer provided benefits program
• Comprehensive health care options
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Generous retirement contributions
• Impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager