Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics and Physical Education
About The Position
The Department of Athletics and Physical Education is seeking a highly organized, proactive Executive Assistant to the Director of Athletics and Physical Education with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This is a unique opportunity to serve as a trusted partner to a senior leader, playing a critical role in advancing the mission of one of the university's most visible and impactful departments. In this role, you will provide strategic administrative and operational support to the Director of Athletics and Physical Education, serving as the first point of contact for the Athletics Director's Office and setting the tone for every interaction. You will engage with university leaders, faculty, staff, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, parents, supporters, and external partners, helping to foster strong relationships and ensuring exceptional service across every interaction. This position is ideal for a professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys coordinating complex priorities, exercises sound judgment, and takes pride in delivering exceptional support with discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the heart of a highly visible organization. As a key member of the Athletics Director's Office, you will contribute to initiatives that support student-athletes, students, coaches, staff, and the broader university and Ithaca communities while working closely with institutional leaders and stakeholders.
Requirements
- A cover letter and resume are required for consideration, outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role.
- An associate’s degree and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in a fast-paced administrative setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Exceptional organizational and judgment skills, and experience maintaining strict confidentiality.
- A self-starter attitude, the ability to proactively identify and effectively address challenges, , and a demonstrated track record of independently driving projects forward.
- Ability to work under pressure, focus and prioritize when dealing with several issues at one time, and support and take direction from multiple individuals.
- Proficiency with the Google Suite of office software, including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms, with the ability to assist coworkers in the use of these programs.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, with the ability to assist coworkers in the use of these programs.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and strong writing and editing skills.
- Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
- Ability to build strong, inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's Degree
- Executive level support experience
- Knowledge of Cornell processes and procedures
- Prior experience working in a college athletics department
- Supervisory experience
Responsibilities
- Coordinate a complex and evolving calendar, balancing competing priorities while anticipating needs and identifying opportunities to maximize efficiency.
- Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, itineraries, expense reconciliation, and reimbursements.
- Prepare meeting agendas, briefing materials, presentations, and follow-up communications.
- Take on special projects, timelines, and action items, ensuring key initiatives move forward effectively.
- Coordinate meetings, events, and department-wide engagements.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and resource, helping the Director remain focused on strategic priorities.
- Monitor and manage a high-volume email inbox.
- Draft and edit correspondence, reports, memoranda, presentations, and announcements.
- Respond to routine and complex inquiries on behalf of the Director.
- Support the preparation of reports, research projects, analyses, and presentations involving confidential or sensitive information.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across the university to gather information and ensure timely follow-up.
- Serve as the first point of contact for visitors, guests, and stakeholders.
- Respond to inquiries with professionalism, discretion, and exceptional customer service.
- Facilitate communication among university leadership, faculty, staff, coaches, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters.
- Coordinate office operations, supplies, purchasing, reimbursements, and related administrative functions.
- Research and resolve issues by leveraging resources across the university.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
