Executive Assistant, Office of the VP & Chief Global Information Officer (CEMI)

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell Information Technology (IT) is a strategic enabler for many functions at Cornell University, with staff located across colleges, administrative units, and campuses throughout the institution. While comprised of many organizations, IT operates as one partnering closely with faculty, staff, and students to support teaching, research, and business operations. By being embedded where the Cornell community is, IT is well positioned to provide support ranging from day‑to‑day needs to large, complex initiatives that advance major academic, research, and operational objectives across the university. The Opportunity We are seeking a highly skilled, trusted, and proactive Executive Staff Assistant to provide exceptional administrative and operational support to the Vice President and Chief Global Information Officer (VP/CGIO). This is a high-impact role in a dynamic, highly visible environment, supporting executive-level leadership across two primary locations—Ithaca and New York City. The Executive Staff Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring the VP/CGIO’s office operates with professionalism, efficiency, and excellence. The ideal candidate brings outstanding judgment, discretion, organizational savvy, and the confidence to navigate complex, confidential matters while building strong relationships across a diverse academic and professional community. This role is well-suited for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, anticipates needs before they arise, and enjoys collaborating as part of a supportive administrative team. This is a 3 year term appointment which may be ended or extended based on organizational needs, funding availability, and performance. Occasional travel to New York City is required.

Requirements

Associate’s degree with at least four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when managing sensitive information, issues, and communications.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple, competing priorities and anticipate needs in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to draft, edit, and prepare professional correspondence, presentations, and reports.
Strong relationship building skills, with the ability to interact professionally, graciously, and effectively with faculty, staff, students, trustees, campus partners, and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated proficiency with modern collaboration and productivity tools, and willingness to learn, test, and adopt new technologies, tools, and workflows in support of the VP/CGIO’s role as a leader of technical innovation.
High level of initiative and independence, with the ability to identify needs, resolve issues, and take appropriate action without detailed instruction, while also knowing when to seek clarification.
Experience coordinating complex calendars, travel, events, and logistics across multiple locations and time zones.
Ability to lead projects and special assignments with minimal supervision, including researching, prioritizing, and following through on issues to successful completion.
Demonstrated adaptability and responsiveness, including the ability to provide occasional off hours support for urgent needs, events, travel issues, and incidents that arise within an IT leadership environment.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team based administrative environment, including cross-coverage with other executive support roles.
Ability to travel occasionally between Ithaca and New York City to support the VP/CGIO and office operations as needed.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Experience providing executive level administrative support, preferably in a complex or matrixed organization.
Strong editing, writing, and documentation skills, with the ability to prepare, proof, and refine professional communications and materials.
Notary Public certification is helpful (or willingness to obtain).
Familiarity with Cornell University systems, culture, and administrative processes and/or experience working in higher education is a plus.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact and gatekeeper for the VP/CGIO, coordinating highly complex calendars that include executive meetings, conferences, and events across Ithaca and Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM).
Prioritize access, schedule strategically, and assess when and how to interrupt meetings or redirect inquiries.
Coordinate domestic travel and logistics, including occasional off-campus and New York City–based events.
Prepare, edit, and distribute a wide range of confidential and business-critical documents, correspondence, agendas, and meeting materials.
Anticipate needs by gathering background information from across functional areas and briefing the VP/CGIO on key issues in advance of meetings and presentations.
Act as a liaison on sensitive matters, exercising discretion and sound judgment in determining appropriate responses and next steps.
Navigate organizational and political dynamics with professionalism, fostering strong relationships across university units.
Participate in and oversee administrative components of special projects led by the VP/CGIO, including tracking deliverables, timelines, and follow-ups.
Independently research, compile, and analyze information from multiple sources; prepare reports, spreadsheets, recommendations, and documentation.
Oversee logistics for specialized programs and events, including space reservations, technology support, participant communications, materials, and refreshments.
Support financial and administrative transactions in partnership with the University Shared Services Center, including: Travel reimbursements, Purchasing card (PCard) transactions, Membership renewals and supply orders, Submission of required internal documentation.
Maintain organized, secure systems for document tracking, storage, and retrieval.
Assess office processes and recommend improvements; implement and document best practices.
Provide support for employment searches, including interview coordination, candidate travel logistics, and itinerary development.
Ensure appropriate office coverage and provide backup support to other executive assistants and administrative teams, as needed.
Complete required compliance trainings and assist with additional duties in support of the organization’s mission.
Foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

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