Executive Staff Assistant, ILR Dean’s Office

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

1d•$69,653 - $80,948•Onsite

About The Position

The ILR School at Cornell University is seeking a highly organized, resourceful, and trusted professional to support the Dean’s Office. The Executive Staff Assistant provides executive-level administrative, project management, event-planning, and operational support to the Dean, serving as a central point of coordination and communication. The role involves working with faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, university leaders, and external stakeholders, and requires sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and adaptability in a dynamic environment. The position supports the Dean’s administrative, teaching, research, and academic activities; coordinates projects and stakeholder communications; manages travel, fiscal processes, and office operations; and leads logistics for high-profile meetings and events. It also helps oversee the Dean’s Office, supports administrative and student staff, and contributes to a collaborative, inclusive, service-oriented team culture. The position is full-time and fully onsite in Ithaca, New York. Some travel and flexibility in work hours are required. No relocation assistance or visa sponsorship is available.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Three to five years of experience providing executive-level support.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects, events, and special assignments.
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to use sound judgment and logic to anticipate and solve existing or potential problems.
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously under pressure in a fast-paced office environment.
Ability to work independently and exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Ability to interact tactfully with diverse groups of individuals.
Experience managing complex calendars and coordinating complex travel arrangements.
Excellent computer skills, including expertise in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
General database operating knowledge and internet search skills.
Excellent customer service skills and attitude.
Expertise in Outlook email and calendar.
Ability to persuade others to collaborate to meet deadlines.
Knowledge of and adherence to university policies and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
Prior supervisory experience and skills.
Ability to have some flexibility in work hours.
Some travel is required.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.
A cover letter and resume are required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six years of experience in an executive office setting.
Prior office experience in a teaching- and research-based setting.
Knowledge of labor relations or workplace issues.
Experience with Faculty Center, Canvas, PeopleSoft, and ADW (Automated Data Warehouse).
Knowledge of Cornell’s travel and reimbursement system (Concur), Kuali Financial System and payment request systems, Salesforce, 25Live Event Planner, and Kissflow.
Knowledge of the eShop purchasing system.
Prior experience working with HTML or other web development tools.

Responsibilities

Manage the Dean’s complex calendar, scheduling priorities, and daily workflow.
Prepare agendas, briefing materials, presentations, reports, and correspondence.
Monitor the Dean’s action items, commitments, and follow-up activities.
Attend meetings, record minutes, and prepare status reports.
Review incoming communications and determine appropriate handling and distribution.
Support the Dean’s teaching, research, and academic activities.
Maintain sensitive files and records confidentially.
Coordinate faculty review, promotion, and tenure-related administrative processes.
Lead and support special projects assigned by the Dean; develop and manage project plans, timelines, and deliverables.
Coordinate work across departments, locations, and stakeholder groups; track deadlines and support timely completion of initiatives.
Support annual reporting, goal-setting, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and other administrative activities.
Serve as a communication hub for the Dean’s Office and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Draft professional communications and coordinate information flow between the Dean and stakeholders.
Coordinate complex travel arrangements and itineraries; prepare and manage travel reimbursements and related documentation.
Monitor office budgets, event expenses, and financial transactions; coordinate contracts and event logistics; and support office financial processes.
Lead planning and logistics for meetings, conferences, receptions, and special events, including invitations, registration, communications, materials, and operations for in-person and virtual events.
Help oversee day-to-day Dean’s Office operations and provide guidance and support to administrative and student staff.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented team culture; support staff development, training, and performance management.
Contribute to a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment, including supporting work/life integration and respectful collaboration across differences.

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 a 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.

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